- Deaprtment of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
- +880 2223365633
- Architecture, Philosophy of Architecture, Space Syntax, Spatial dynamics and Urban core, Morphological Transformation of Dhaka City, Urban Morphology and Asian Cities, and 25 moreOrganic City, Pedestrian Movement, Road network accessibility analysis, Location of Metro Stations Station, Planning Standards, Design Guidelines, Office Space, Covid-19, Re-Opening, Isolation, Spatial Analysis, Morphology and Syntax, Fire safety, Factory, Domestic Space, Interior Architecture, Public Housing, Dhaka, Morphological, Alteration, House Form, History, Dhaka City, Space and Society, Adaptation, and Urban Studiesedit
- Dr. FARIDA NILUFAR is a Professor of Architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, (BUET) in D... moreDr. FARIDA NILUFAR is a Professor of Architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, (BUET) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her research is focused on Urban Morphology, Urban Design and Landscape, Water Urbanism, and Architectural Morphology. Her investigations have revealed the spatial character of Dhaka city. Developed Urban Design Policy for Dhaka in Draft Structure Plan (2016-35); Served as Environment and Urbanization Secretary in IAB; also involved in Curriculum development and Accreditation of Architectural Education.edit
Urban centres are major hubs for urban activity and operate as catalysts for more accessible land use through promoting high-density, mixed-use, and bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly development. The spatial grids surrounding the centres... more
Urban centres are major hubs for urban activity and operate as catalysts for more accessible land use through promoting high-density, mixed-use, and bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly development. The spatial grids surrounding the centres have a significant impact on the morphology and growth pattern of cities because of their unique potential to provide accessibility at different levels. As cities grow, the connectivity and accessibility of these centres remain crucial, with increasing travel demand and environmental consequences. Dhaka has evolved from a city to a metropolitan region with increasing population growth and economic activities in the nearby urban areas. To guide Dhaka’s future development in a sustainable manner, the Structure Plan has focused on concentrating activities in the urban centres to reduce journeys to work andensure accessibility of various services and facilities. Dhaka exhibits a composite urban form with a diversified spatial grid characterized by a multi-nodal land use pattern that has largely evolved spontaneously through time. Hence, for efficient urban design and land use planning in these centers, the unique spatial properties of the spatial grid must be recognized, along with a careful investigation into their land use patterns. Therefore, this paper aims to determine the accessibility potential of the spatial grid around the 16 urban centers of Dhaka city with the existing land use characteristics. An 800-metre buffer area around the major public transport nodes has been considered to analyze the spatial grid of each centre. GIS-based space syntax method has been used here to interpret the functional properties of the built environment with respect to the
degree of accessibility. In this regard, this study interpolated the street segment values of the angular choice analysis into adjacent street blocks of each center to demonstrate the existing land use distribution in relation to the accessibility condition. The findings have shown that in most centers, the majority of non-residential uses are concentrated in city-level accessible blocks. In contrast, in a few centers, they are primarily concentrated in blocks that are accessible at the local level. The study has also shown that, at either the local or city level, few cases have a higher share of non-residential land uses in the most accessible urban blocks, whereas in most cases, their percentage is moderate or low. The findings can aid in the spatial diagnostics of the spatial grid's accessibility condition for developing suitable urban design or land use planning needed in specific urban centers.
degree of accessibility. In this regard, this study interpolated the street segment values of the angular choice analysis into adjacent street blocks of each center to demonstrate the existing land use distribution in relation to the accessibility condition. The findings have shown that in most centers, the majority of non-residential uses are concentrated in city-level accessible blocks. In contrast, in a few centers, they are primarily concentrated in blocks that are accessible at the local level. The study has also shown that, at either the local or city level, few cases have a higher share of non-residential land uses in the most accessible urban blocks, whereas in most cases, their percentage is moderate or low. The findings can aid in the spatial diagnostics of the spatial grid's accessibility condition for developing suitable urban design or land use planning needed in specific urban centers.
Research Interests:
This research examines the spatial characteristics of domestic spaces, their use, and adaptations to analyse their changing morphology. It also examines inhabitants' preferences and requirements for the functional utilisation of the... more
This research examines the spatial characteristics of domestic spaces, their use, and adaptations to analyse their changing morphology. It also examines inhabitants' preferences and requirements for the functional utilisation of the interiority of dwellings. Fifteen apartments in Dhaka were analysed to compare the initial design with the later modifications by occupants. The research followed an ethnographical method to depict the lives and experiences of individuals. The research has identified significant changes in activity zoning and their pattern, thus creating a new spatial organisation of the house that is different from the original design. Activity analysis reveals that most spaces are multipurpose; moreover, maintaining segregation and privacy is challenging. Lack of privacy is a significant concern during the alterations. Households are usually the extended type with a large number of members. Hence, this research finds the need for extra rooms within the given space. Another reason for alterations is the need for adequate functional space. A discrepancy exists between the dwelling space design and the actual needs and preferences of the occupants. This discrepancy highlights gaps between the designer's solution and the user demand, which prompts adjustments in the aspirations of the house through modifications and adaptations.
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This paper will use 'space syntax' as a tool in analysing the spatial structure of Dhaka City. 'Space syntax' is a theory and method for investigating the society-space relation, which takes account of the underlying difficulty in... more
This paper will use 'space syntax' as a tool in analysing the spatial structure of Dhaka City. 'Space syntax' is a theory and method for investigating the society-space relation, which takes account of the underlying difficulty in illuminating the relationship between social structure and spatial structure. The theory also defines the degree of spatial order which exists in organic and planned layouts, by analysing their spatial configurations to show the relation between local morphological properties and emergent global patterns. The first section of this paper will briefly describe the space syntax method in order to pave the way for the latter part of the text where the method be applied to the case of Dhaka.
Here, models of the 'axial structure' of the city of Dhaka are developed from cartographic records which cover the period from 1859 to 1991. Thus, the spatial structure of Dhaka City is considered over last century, through the nine different stages of its evolution for which accurate maps exist. Throughout the century, the growing city seems to have exhibited a series of informal and organic spatial patterns. Yet, despite these morphological continuities, major spatial changes at a global scale can be identified through analysis, which can be shown increasingly to have had an impact on the face of the city. Thus, the paper will try to pinpoint how the cumulative process of growth and consolidation has influenced the spatial structure of Dhaka at a global scale. The hypothesis guiding this investigation is that the overall spatial structures of the historical and contemporary city of Dhaka can be shown to exhibit objective configurational differences, rather than similarities which have persisted through time. The research aim is therefore to explore and quantify the nature of the spatial transformation which has taken place within the city during this period.
In addition to exploring the spatial measures which result from the use of space syntax, the spatial analysis also reveals how the existing commercial centre systematically loses its importance with each succeeding phase of growth. In the middle stages (1952, 1960, 1973) the global focus of the city shifts from the historic commercial areas of the Islampur Road and the Nawabpur Road towards Motijheel, whilst in the most recent stages of its development, the city again shifts its focus from Motijheel to the new commercial development in the Kawranbazar area. The changing pattern of integration indicates that a constant factor in Dhaka’s growth has been the pull of the new extensions at the periphery, which have brought about changes within the global core of the city with the passage of time. This leads to a conclusion that old city is becoming increasingly segregated from the life of the new core. The core has been more or less static for the last two decades, but major changes in the city morphology are still taking place as new developments are constructed in all the peripheral areas except to the south, the cumulative impact of which may be gradually to draw integration still further away from the historic heart of Dhaka. The implications of this for the long term sustainability old Dhaka are serious, and need to be taken into account in arriving at a strategy for its future conservation.
Here, models of the 'axial structure' of the city of Dhaka are developed from cartographic records which cover the period from 1859 to 1991. Thus, the spatial structure of Dhaka City is considered over last century, through the nine different stages of its evolution for which accurate maps exist. Throughout the century, the growing city seems to have exhibited a series of informal and organic spatial patterns. Yet, despite these morphological continuities, major spatial changes at a global scale can be identified through analysis, which can be shown increasingly to have had an impact on the face of the city. Thus, the paper will try to pinpoint how the cumulative process of growth and consolidation has influenced the spatial structure of Dhaka at a global scale. The hypothesis guiding this investigation is that the overall spatial structures of the historical and contemporary city of Dhaka can be shown to exhibit objective configurational differences, rather than similarities which have persisted through time. The research aim is therefore to explore and quantify the nature of the spatial transformation which has taken place within the city during this period.
In addition to exploring the spatial measures which result from the use of space syntax, the spatial analysis also reveals how the existing commercial centre systematically loses its importance with each succeeding phase of growth. In the middle stages (1952, 1960, 1973) the global focus of the city shifts from the historic commercial areas of the Islampur Road and the Nawabpur Road towards Motijheel, whilst in the most recent stages of its development, the city again shifts its focus from Motijheel to the new commercial development in the Kawranbazar area. The changing pattern of integration indicates that a constant factor in Dhaka’s growth has been the pull of the new extensions at the periphery, which have brought about changes within the global core of the city with the passage of time. This leads to a conclusion that old city is becoming increasingly segregated from the life of the new core. The core has been more or less static for the last two decades, but major changes in the city morphology are still taking place as new developments are constructed in all the peripheral areas except to the south, the cumulative impact of which may be gradually to draw integration still further away from the historic heart of Dhaka. The implications of this for the long term sustainability old Dhaka are serious, and need to be taken into account in arriving at a strategy for its future conservation.
Research Interests:
The history of Dhaka exhibits great changes in its morphological structure. The present spatial structure of Dhaka has evolved from a small Hindu trading centre to a ‘Megacity’. The city has primarily grown organically and a number of... more
The history of Dhaka exhibits great changes in its morphological structure. The present spatial structure of Dhaka has evolved from a small Hindu trading centre to a ‘Megacity’. The city has primarily grown organically and a number of planned schemes have been incorporated into the organic whole which give rise to the fundamental urban dichotomies. However, a major urban scheme was added in this organic city designed by Louis I. Kahn in 1964. At that time Kahn’s Capital Complex appeared as an isolated development where administration was kept away from the public in the existing city. In spite of such intent, the evolution of the city shows that with the gradual expansion towards north the city quarters surrounded the Capital Complex and now Sher-E-Bangla Nagar stands near the heart of the city.
This analytical paper examines the dynamics of urban growth of Dhaka. Here, models of the 'axial structure' of the city of Dhaka are developed from cartographic records which cover the period from 1859 to 1991. Thus, the spatial structure of Dhaka city is considered over last century, through the eight different stages of its evolution for which accurate maps exist. The paper tries to pinpoint how the cumulative process of growth and consolidation has influenced the spatial structure of Dhaka at a global scale. It shows that in the overall growth of the city, Kahn’s Capital Complex has attained immense importance by pulling the global integration core of Dhaka towards north and merging itself into the global core.
This paper will use 'Space Syntax' as a tool in analysing the spatial structure of Dhaka. 'Space Syntax' is a theory and method for investigating the society-space relation, which takes account of the underlying difficulty in illuminating the relationship between social structure and spatial structure. The theory also defines the degree of spatial order which exists in organic and planned layouts, by analysing their spatial configurations to show the relation between local morphological properties and emergent global patterns. The first section of this paper will briefly describe the space syntax method in order to pave the way for the latter part of the text where the method be applied to the case of Dhaka.
This analytical paper examines the dynamics of urban growth of Dhaka. Here, models of the 'axial structure' of the city of Dhaka are developed from cartographic records which cover the period from 1859 to 1991. Thus, the spatial structure of Dhaka city is considered over last century, through the eight different stages of its evolution for which accurate maps exist. The paper tries to pinpoint how the cumulative process of growth and consolidation has influenced the spatial structure of Dhaka at a global scale. It shows that in the overall growth of the city, Kahn’s Capital Complex has attained immense importance by pulling the global integration core of Dhaka towards north and merging itself into the global core.
This paper will use 'Space Syntax' as a tool in analysing the spatial structure of Dhaka. 'Space Syntax' is a theory and method for investigating the society-space relation, which takes account of the underlying difficulty in illuminating the relationship between social structure and spatial structure. The theory also defines the degree of spatial order which exists in organic and planned layouts, by analysing their spatial configurations to show the relation between local morphological properties and emergent global patterns. The first section of this paper will briefly describe the space syntax method in order to pave the way for the latter part of the text where the method be applied to the case of Dhaka.
Research Interests:
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Open space can be defined as un-built lands within the city which provides environmental, social and economic benefits for the communities that cover land and water bodies devoted to recreation, scenic beauty, conservation. In addition to... more
Open space can be defined as un-built lands within the city which provides environmental, social and economic benefits for the communities that cover land and water bodies devoted to recreation, scenic beauty, conservation. In addition to their ecological and aesthetic value to urban dwellers, open spaces are used as recreational facilities either in active orin passive mode. Availability of open space for public use is an important indicator of ‘Livability’ of cities to ensure health and wellbeing of citizens. This paper presents the proposals of Dhaka Structure Plan (2016-2035) regarding open space including green network, urban and peri-urban greening, water bodies as important elements of livability of Dhaka.
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The enormous growth of the population in Dhaka results in massive stress on its accommodation, infrastructure, utilities, services, and other facilities. In this critical urban situation, lower-middle-income families can only avail... more
The enormous growth of the population in Dhaka results in massive stress on its accommodation, infrastructure, utilities, services, and other facilities. In this critical urban situation, lower-middle-income families can only avail minimal spaces for their domestic use. However, living in such small areas is challenging for these families to appropriate functional use and activities. In addition, for economic reason they rent-out part of the apartments and both families adjust within the limited spaces. All these result into physical alterations to their domestic space layouts which are originally designed by professionals.
This research aims to identify the spatial pattern of the altered morphological character of the domestic space through space syntax analysis using JASS software. Thus, it tries to find out how the altered layout reflected their social realities and how different they are from the original designed apartments in spatial terms. Fifteen apartments have been analyzed through comparing the originally built and altered layouts in relation to users functional and other social needs. The study identified significant changes in the zoning of domestic space. These adaptations have a considerable impact on the morphology of the domestic area, which retained specific characteristics from the original layout but put the apartment together in a new way. Though it is tough to maintain privacy and segregation within this limited space, it is a significant concern to the occupants during the alteration. It is identified that through control of access, use of partitions, and reallocation of activities those small apartments are altered into less ringy and more tree like configurations. All these alterations have significantly modified the integration and control values of different domestic spaces, thus altered the original layouts into a more acceptable one in social and functional terms.
This research aims to identify the spatial pattern of the altered morphological character of the domestic space through space syntax analysis using JASS software. Thus, it tries to find out how the altered layout reflected their social realities and how different they are from the original designed apartments in spatial terms. Fifteen apartments have been analyzed through comparing the originally built and altered layouts in relation to users functional and other social needs. The study identified significant changes in the zoning of domestic space. These adaptations have a considerable impact on the morphology of the domestic area, which retained specific characteristics from the original layout but put the apartment together in a new way. Though it is tough to maintain privacy and segregation within this limited space, it is a significant concern to the occupants during the alteration. It is identified that through control of access, use of partitions, and reallocation of activities those small apartments are altered into less ringy and more tree like configurations. All these alterations have significantly modified the integration and control values of different domestic spaces, thus altered the original layouts into a more acceptable one in social and functional terms.
Research Interests:
Accessibility is an important influencing factor for the efficient functioning of a metro system. Among multifaceted metro accessibility indicators this study concentrated upon the spatial configuration analysis of the local street... more
Accessibility is an important influencing factor for the efficient functioning of a metro system. Among multifaceted metro accessibility indicators this study concentrated upon the spatial configuration analysis of the local street network to assess the accessibility condition of the proposed metro stations (Motijheel & Karwanbazar) along the MRT Line-06 in CBD context of Dhaka city. Accessibility plays a significant role in deciding the location of a metro station which facilitates the efficient transfer of passenger to local destinations. Dhaka being the CBD of the fastest growing megacity of the world CBD where land value and pedestrian movement is extremely high, it is really a technical challenge to set a strategic location of a metro station considering the organic morphology of the city and promote a pedestrian friendly station precinct. Therefore, space syntax methods have been applied here to examine the accessibility pattern of the local spatial structure of the selected areas. The study tried to explore the scope of configurational analysis as a scientific tool to assess the accessibility of the proposed metro stations. Later a set syntactic measures (axial and VGA) including value of integration, connectivity, choice, and visual integration were compared to the pedestrian movement data using statistical correlation to interpret the degree of accessibility around the proposed station.
Statistical analysis revealed that the area with higher visual integration and a permeable grid network shows more correspondence with local movement and can be considered to enhance the degree of accessibility to the proposed station and integrate major entrance points of the station. In addition, the observation study suggests that land use factor such as location of high-rise buildings, bus stops, and street vendors also plays an important role as an independent attractor to generate significant movement and creates a multiplier effect which needs further detail research in this regard for a more accurate interpretation of the degree of accessibility. Therefore, through early-stage planning and analysis, the study can help planners and designers to focus on improving the accessibility and locating proposed stations in a context. In addition, space syntax can be used as a scientific tool for assessing the city’s urban grid in data scarce context and support planning process when needed.
Statistical analysis revealed that the area with higher visual integration and a permeable grid network shows more correspondence with local movement and can be considered to enhance the degree of accessibility to the proposed station and integrate major entrance points of the station. In addition, the observation study suggests that land use factor such as location of high-rise buildings, bus stops, and street vendors also plays an important role as an independent attractor to generate significant movement and creates a multiplier effect which needs further detail research in this regard for a more accurate interpretation of the degree of accessibility. Therefore, through early-stage planning and analysis, the study can help planners and designers to focus on improving the accessibility and locating proposed stations in a context. In addition, space syntax can be used as a scientific tool for assessing the city’s urban grid in data scarce context and support planning process when needed.
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‘People expect to return to a different workplace. Workers want a physical environment with more space, less desk sharing including social distancing plus increased cleaning protocols, and increased support for mobile and virtual work’.... more
‘People expect to return to a different workplace. Workers want a physical environment with more space, less desk sharing including social distancing plus increased cleaning protocols, and increased support for mobile and virtual work’. --- Findings from a survey conducted by Gensler, a global design and architecture firm, during COVID-19 pandemic
Bangladesh, like many countries of the world, has decided to re-open workplaces to continue the economic activities amidst the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, we cannot go back to the “normal” until there is some vaccine and widespread testing becomes available; we need a plan for reopening offices considering this transitional stage. In this context, the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) has taken an initiative to prepare a guideline for arrangement of safer workplaces to be adopted by organizations while re-opening the offices in Bangladesh as precautions against COVID-19. This document intends to translate the available knowledge and experiences to provide suggestions and tools that will enable businesses to operate within the pandemic situation. The contents are summarized from national and international literature and guidelines that are applicable in the local context. A team of design professionals, HVAC experts and academicians has prepared, reviewed and edited the document on behalf of IAB.
Editorial Team led by Prof. Farida Nilufar
Bangladesh, like many countries of the world, has decided to re-open workplaces to continue the economic activities amidst the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, we cannot go back to the “normal” until there is some vaccine and widespread testing becomes available; we need a plan for reopening offices considering this transitional stage. In this context, the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) has taken an initiative to prepare a guideline for arrangement of safer workplaces to be adopted by organizations while re-opening the offices in Bangladesh as precautions against COVID-19. This document intends to translate the available knowledge and experiences to provide suggestions and tools that will enable businesses to operate within the pandemic situation. The contents are summarized from national and international literature and guidelines that are applicable in the local context. A team of design professionals, HVAC experts and academicians has prepared, reviewed and edited the document on behalf of IAB.
Editorial Team led by Prof. Farida Nilufar
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Amidst the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in 2020, like many countries of the world, Bangladesh is in the stage of establishing a number of Isolation Facilities to serve a huge number of patients. Institute of Architects... more
Amidst the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in 2020, like many countries of the world, Bangladesh is in the stage of establishing a number of Isolation Facilities to serve a huge number of patients. Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) has taken an initiative to prepare a basic design guideline for the Isolation Center for local architects. This document intends to translate the knowledge and experiences in controlling the spread of coronavirus in an Isolation Center for treating suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients.
Design Guideline for Isolation Center is available as Open Source: Institute of Architects Bangladesh. Source: http://www.iab.com.bd/Site/Publication?pid=15
Design Guideline for Isolation Center is available as Open Source: Institute of Architects Bangladesh. Source: http://www.iab.com.bd/Site/Publication?pid=15
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
A concise report of the draft document established collectively by members of the ARCASIA Committee of Social Responsibility (ACSR) and ARCASIA Emergency Architect (AEA) from architects of 21 countries in ASIA. The task was initiated from... more
A concise report of the draft document established collectively by members of the ARCASIA Committee of Social Responsibility (ACSR) and ARCASIA Emergency Architect (AEA) from architects of 21 countries in ASIA. The task was initiated from May 2020 up till November 2020 through online weekly meetings, surveys, webinar and workshop with subject matter experts. The 13 guidelines are put together to manage the pandemic in the built environment. It was established as a framework for the 21 countries to localise in their respective context
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The world is facing a Pandemic of unprecedented nature. It is an emergency. This is the Final workshop webinar to culminate the 7 months gestation of surveying, understanding, researching, discussing, and writing since May 2020 to... more
The world is facing a Pandemic of unprecedented nature. It is an emergency. This is the Final workshop webinar to culminate the 7 months gestation of surveying, understanding, researching, discussing, and writing since May 2020 to formulate a framework or guidelines for the built environment that addresses the Asian community and locality by ARCASIA-n architects. Managed and choreograph by Ar Tony Wong, Director of AEA for ACSR and AEA, this final webinar is the 3rd webinar upon the draft completion of the guidelines for endorsement. The guidelines were initiated with the survey on the problems and issues encountered due to the Pandemic from each member country of ARCASIA, then the discussion for direction with ARCASIA representation, then with the expert panellist (medical practitioner infectious disease, architect, urban planner), This 3rd webinar includes an expert member from the community so that no one is left behind. The guidelines as the outcome of this webinar workshop are deemed comprehensive and complete. Institute of architects from member countries can continue to make adaptation to their respective local condition and requirements for the community's wellbeing
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, once had enormous water resources which played an important role in structuring settlement patterns and maintaining overall hydro-ecological equilibrium. Eastern Periphery, the essential spontaneous... more
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, once had enormous water resources which played an important role in structuring settlement patterns and maintaining overall hydro-ecological equilibrium. Eastern Periphery, the essential spontaneous territory of the Dhaka Metropolitan Area (DMA) still have a traditional setting integrating natural
landscape for production, transportation, open space network towards water sensitive urban development. But, city’s present development activities for this part as well as the entire city do not respect the deep geo-morphological nature of the territory. Thus, the city failed to protect and integrate these essential natural water bodies with the built environment and creating adverse effects on flooding, waterlogging and other environmental conditions. To address the present urban crisis associated with water, it is essential to search for strategies to protect the mandatory water bodies and integrate those in the land development process. The traditional way of integrating natural land-water resources for hydrological-ecological performance is required to discover from the territorial settings and incorporate those through strategies. The physiographical characteristics of the land-water interface have a direct reflection of
the regional hydrology. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the physical pattern and process of the water edge from the traditional settlement of the eastern fringe of DMA. A comprehensive framework will be developed to analyze the multiple samples from the study area to extract general landscape practices from the study area. Finally, the identified landscape pattern and processes will be suggested as urban design guidelines which will help in highlighting the possible ways of structuring waterside areas in such deltaic city towards water sensitive urban development.
landscape for production, transportation, open space network towards water sensitive urban development. But, city’s present development activities for this part as well as the entire city do not respect the deep geo-morphological nature of the territory. Thus, the city failed to protect and integrate these essential natural water bodies with the built environment and creating adverse effects on flooding, waterlogging and other environmental conditions. To address the present urban crisis associated with water, it is essential to search for strategies to protect the mandatory water bodies and integrate those in the land development process. The traditional way of integrating natural land-water resources for hydrological-ecological performance is required to discover from the territorial settings and incorporate those through strategies. The physiographical characteristics of the land-water interface have a direct reflection of
the regional hydrology. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the physical pattern and process of the water edge from the traditional settlement of the eastern fringe of DMA. A comprehensive framework will be developed to analyze the multiple samples from the study area to extract general landscape practices from the study area. Finally, the identified landscape pattern and processes will be suggested as urban design guidelines which will help in highlighting the possible ways of structuring waterside areas in such deltaic city towards water sensitive urban development.
Research Interests:
Ready Made Garments (RMG) sector has significant contribution to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh. However, this sector is subjected to fire hazard which has been identified as one of the major vulnerability causing death to a... more
Ready Made Garments (RMG) sector has significant contribution to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh. However, this sector is subjected to fire hazard which has been identified as one of the major vulnerability causing death to a huge number of workers. Therefore, in addition to common concerns of factory design like efficiency and functionality, tackling fire issues are also considered as an important determinant of spatial layout. As spatial grid is a generator of movement, the spatial layout of factory buildings has significant impact on directing all types of movement of the occupants including evacuation. Fire drill is a preventive procedure to train-up the occupants aiming a smooth evacuation in order to reduce the vulnerability of fire. Along with fire fighting measures, the 'spatial layout' of a factory building especially its morphology has a significant role to ensure the effectiveness of fire drills. It is recognized that a suitable spatial layout may help the process of fire drill to be more effective. This research has examined the 'spatial layout' of six RMG factory buildings particularly their production areas and observed occupants' movement during fire drills. Space Syntax methods, both axial and visual graph analysis, have been applied to determine the morphological attributes of spatial layouts and to identify possible route of 'natural movements' of occupants. An agent-based simulation has also been undertaken following the theory of Space Syntax to identify the possible routes of evacuation movement determined by the spatial grid in relation to exits. Finally, by comparing the observed and simulated movement data in relation to the basic morphological attributes of the spatial layout, this research identified that the significant morphological characteristics, like axial and visual integration as well as connectivity, of a spatial layout can be good indicators in selecting location of primary aisles and exit doors. These primary aisles as regular movement routes have significant influence on the cognition of the workers. Being selected as part of evacuation route, these aisles play an important role in preparing an effective evacuation plan for RMG factories. Moreover, morphological attributes of exits location also have major impact in ensuring safe and effective evacuation. However, the cumulative paths yielded from both conditions, i.e. virtual and observed, differs considerably, which apparently contradicts studies demonstrating that movement patterns in virtual and real conditions correlate. In fact, 'evacuation movement' in this study was highly task oriented, i.e. reaching the exit doors within a shortest time, was different from other non-task oriented behaviours. Theoretically evacuation movements supposed to follow restricted routes as oppose to free routes of 'natural movement'; however, it can be suggested here that to ensure an effective escape route, the 'evacuation movement' should correspond to 'natural movement' for which the inmates would be confident to follow those being familiar. Moreover, the configuration of space needs to accommodate the primary aisles and exit doors in such a manner that these important elements of evacuation are located in accessible and connected locations within the visual field of the occupants.
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This study explores the effects of growth on the urban morphology and the land use pattern of a historic town Mymensingh, by analyzing the morphological transformation through Space Syntax along with the changes of land-use pattern.... more
This study explores the effects of growth on the urban morphology and the land use pattern of a historic town Mymensingh, by analyzing the morphological transformation through Space Syntax along with the changes of land-use pattern. Mymensingh is one of the oldest and historic towns of Bangladesh that lies along the river Brahmaputra. This town was developed as an urban conglomeration during the period of the British colonists more than two hundred years ago. Through the juxtaposition of different establishments by the British colonists, local land-lords and local inhabitants at different time periods, a unique type of morphological pattern was created. Local establishments were developed within the organized colonial grids. Through the ages, the town has expanded due to the natural process of growth and change; the small colonial town has become a larger one. According to Space Syntax, urban street configuration is considered as the most dominant factor for spontaneous development of different land-uses - where business and commercial uses naturally develops along the most integrated part of an urban grid. So, there exist a close correlation between urban morphology and land-use patterns. In the study, the effects of growth patterns of the town are analyzed through morphological analysis of Space Syntax at different time periods along with the corresponding land-use patterns. The study result shows that, though the town has expanded over time, still now the core part of the historic town acts as the morphological and functional centre as well. The planning process of such towns should be unique and sensitive considering the inherent morphology and land-use pattern for the sustainable growth of the town in future rather following the usual planning process.
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RMG sector has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic structure of Bangladesh. However, this sector is subjected to fire hazard which has been identified as one of the major vulnerability of RMG factories causing death to a... more
RMG sector has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic structure of Bangladesh. However, this sector is subjected to fire hazard which has been identified as one of the major vulnerability of RMG factories causing death to a huge number of workers. According to National Building Code and Safety Guidelines of Labour Law, fire-drill is an important measure which is practiced on a regular interval by the workers to reduce the vulnerability of fire in these factory buildings, under the guidance of Fire Defense Authority. Along with fire fighting measures and regular training, the ‘Spatial Layout’ of a factory building especially its morphology has a significant role to ensure the effectiveness of such fire drills. Spatial Layout indicates the arrangement of fixed building elements like stairs, exit doors, aisles, partitions; and movable elements, like a machine, equipment, furniture, fixture, etc., on the floor plan of the building. As spatial grid is a generator of movement, the spatial layout of factory buildings has significant impact on directing all types of movement of the occupants. It is recognized that a suitable spatial layout may help the process of a fire drill to be more effective, thereby, will reduce the vulnerability in case of fire.
This research has examined the ‘spatial layout’ of RMG factory buildings particularly that of production areas. Observational techniques and Space Syntax methods, both axial and visual graph analysis, have been applied to determine the morphological attributes of exiting spatial layouts and identify possible route of ‘natural movements’ of the occupants. An agent-based simulation is also undertaken following the theory of Space Syntax to identify the possible routes of evacuation movement determined by the spatial grid in relation to exits. Finally, by comparing the observed and simulated movement data in relation to the basic morphological attributes of the spatial layout, this research identified that the significant morphological characteristics, like axial and visual integration as well as connectivity, of a spatial layout bear significant relation with the primary aisles and exit locations. These primary aisles as regular movement routes have significant influence on the cognition of the workers. Being selected as part of evacuation route, these aisles play an important role in preparing an effective evacuation plan of RMG factories in Bangladesh. Moreover, morphological attributes of exits location also have major impact in ensuring safe and effective evacuation. However, the cumulative paths yielded from both conditions, i.e. virtual and observed, differs considerably, which apparently contradicts studies demonstrating that movement patterns in virtual and real conditions correlate. In fact, ‘evacuation movement’ in this study was highly task oriented, i.e. reaching the exit doors within a shortest time, was different from other non-task oriented behaviours. Theoretically evacuation movements supposed to follow restricted routes as oppose to free routes of ‘natural movement’; however, it can be suggested here that in an effective escape route ‘evacuation movement’ should correspond to ‘natural movement’ and inmates would be confident to follow those being familiar because of their regular movement. Moreover, the configuration of space needs to accommodate the primary aisles and exit doors in such a manner that these important elements of evacuation are located in accessible and connected locations within the visual field of the occupants. In addition, length of aisles and the number of turns, particularly near the exits to be supportive to the evacuation process.
This research has examined the ‘spatial layout’ of RMG factory buildings particularly that of production areas. Observational techniques and Space Syntax methods, both axial and visual graph analysis, have been applied to determine the morphological attributes of exiting spatial layouts and identify possible route of ‘natural movements’ of the occupants. An agent-based simulation is also undertaken following the theory of Space Syntax to identify the possible routes of evacuation movement determined by the spatial grid in relation to exits. Finally, by comparing the observed and simulated movement data in relation to the basic morphological attributes of the spatial layout, this research identified that the significant morphological characteristics, like axial and visual integration as well as connectivity, of a spatial layout bear significant relation with the primary aisles and exit locations. These primary aisles as regular movement routes have significant influence on the cognition of the workers. Being selected as part of evacuation route, these aisles play an important role in preparing an effective evacuation plan of RMG factories in Bangladesh. Moreover, morphological attributes of exits location also have major impact in ensuring safe and effective evacuation. However, the cumulative paths yielded from both conditions, i.e. virtual and observed, differs considerably, which apparently contradicts studies demonstrating that movement patterns in virtual and real conditions correlate. In fact, ‘evacuation movement’ in this study was highly task oriented, i.e. reaching the exit doors within a shortest time, was different from other non-task oriented behaviours. Theoretically evacuation movements supposed to follow restricted routes as oppose to free routes of ‘natural movement’; however, it can be suggested here that in an effective escape route ‘evacuation movement’ should correspond to ‘natural movement’ and inmates would be confident to follow those being familiar because of their regular movement. Moreover, the configuration of space needs to accommodate the primary aisles and exit doors in such a manner that these important elements of evacuation are located in accessible and connected locations within the visual field of the occupants. In addition, length of aisles and the number of turns, particularly near the exits to be supportive to the evacuation process.
Research Interests:
In four hundred years history Dhaka has grown from a small trading town to a Megacity. With the passage of time an organic morphological pattern has been spontaneously developed without any rigid planning proposal. In terms of established... more
In four hundred years history Dhaka has grown from a small trading town to a Megacity. With
the passage of time an organic morphological pattern has been spontaneously developed
without any rigid planning proposal. In terms of established planning principles the character of
Dhaka is seen as a confused urban sprawl. However, the organic cities reflect the ‘community
spirit’, hence the spatial structure of Dhaka is generally developed according to the aspiration
of its inhabitants. Within the apparent spatial disorder of the developing city, people must have
a territorial need for identity and place. Indeed, the Mohallas, i.e. the historic neighbourhoods
in old Dhaka had a territorial base, which revealed a social segregation, symbolised by
geographical definition. At present it is urgent to identify the essential components of urban
morphology in order to sustain the urban condition necessary for the continuation of our
cultural milieu amid rapid urban transformation.
The present paper has an abiding interest in analysing the visible form or morphology of the
megacity in order to identify its different territorial units having a distinct social as well as
spatial identity in the image of its inhabitants. In this pursuit a cognitive search has been
undertaken, as it seems imperative to evaluate the city structure from citizen’s standpoint in
order to understand their inner logic, both the social and spatial. This research represents a
departure from the academic’s city to that of the people who live and work in it. In this paper
an urban mosaic as perceived by the inhabitants is tried to be defined from subjective view of
the residents’ rather than from the objective social or ecological criterion. The value relates to
the fact that it reveals the images of the city of everyday users; therefore, seems to be a way of
introducing public participation into design process.
It is revealed that the megacity, Dhaka, is being made meaningful by naming, classifying and
ordering in a hierarchy of different territorial units in anthropological cognition. Thus it shows
that within the apparent morphological disorder in an organic megacity, a tree like mental
organisation exists in cognitive image of the inhabitants. Such findings may contradict with
theoretical argument that forwards an overlapping spatial structure in organic cities in
correspondence to its social realities. In fact, the patterns of social behaviour attribute another
level to this hierarchical order of territorial units which is focused in an extended part of the
research. However, this present paper only concentrates on the morphological order of the
local areas as cognised. It would be a new direction to the authority for sustainable community
development and megacity management.
the passage of time an organic morphological pattern has been spontaneously developed
without any rigid planning proposal. In terms of established planning principles the character of
Dhaka is seen as a confused urban sprawl. However, the organic cities reflect the ‘community
spirit’, hence the spatial structure of Dhaka is generally developed according to the aspiration
of its inhabitants. Within the apparent spatial disorder of the developing city, people must have
a territorial need for identity and place. Indeed, the Mohallas, i.e. the historic neighbourhoods
in old Dhaka had a territorial base, which revealed a social segregation, symbolised by
geographical definition. At present it is urgent to identify the essential components of urban
morphology in order to sustain the urban condition necessary for the continuation of our
cultural milieu amid rapid urban transformation.
The present paper has an abiding interest in analysing the visible form or morphology of the
megacity in order to identify its different territorial units having a distinct social as well as
spatial identity in the image of its inhabitants. In this pursuit a cognitive search has been
undertaken, as it seems imperative to evaluate the city structure from citizen’s standpoint in
order to understand their inner logic, both the social and spatial. This research represents a
departure from the academic’s city to that of the people who live and work in it. In this paper
an urban mosaic as perceived by the inhabitants is tried to be defined from subjective view of
the residents’ rather than from the objective social or ecological criterion. The value relates to
the fact that it reveals the images of the city of everyday users; therefore, seems to be a way of
introducing public participation into design process.
It is revealed that the megacity, Dhaka, is being made meaningful by naming, classifying and
ordering in a hierarchy of different territorial units in anthropological cognition. Thus it shows
that within the apparent morphological disorder in an organic megacity, a tree like mental
organisation exists in cognitive image of the inhabitants. Such findings may contradict with
theoretical argument that forwards an overlapping spatial structure in organic cities in
correspondence to its social realities. In fact, the patterns of social behaviour attribute another
level to this hierarchical order of territorial units which is focused in an extended part of the
research. However, this present paper only concentrates on the morphological order of the
local areas as cognised. It would be a new direction to the authority for sustainable community
development and megacity management.
The pattern of urban growth is dictated by a complex interaction of place-specific factors in individual cities including geography, history, lifestyle, economies and administration. City’s natural growth gradually defines its main... more
The pattern of urban growth is dictated by a complex interaction of place-specific factors in individual cities including geography, history, lifestyle, economies and administration. City’s natural growth gradually defines its main economic centers and sub-centers according to spatial organization of its urban structure. In some cases of induced development planning, agglomeration of small towns forms a bigger city boundary for administrative operation. Narayanganj city, a port city of Bangladesh, is similar to this case, which was formed by joining three municipalities in 2011. As commercial activities takes place in the most integrated part of a city, administrative agglomeration of small towns largely depends on their economic activity cluster pattern. The spatial parameters of a city can evaluate accumulation of economic activities within an urban structure, in accordance with hierarchical arrangement of centers and sub-centers. Lack of proper agglomeration of economies among centers may cause city malfunctioning. Hence identifying potential sub-centers increases hierarchical connectivity with centers. While analyzing city configuration with Space Syntax theory, movement & commercial growth within a given boundary can be predicted. This paper tries to analyze agglomeration efficiency of economic activities among three municipalities of Narayanganj working as a whole, also study potential sub-center locations for hierarchical city structure as well.
Research Interests:
Crime like drug dealing in public places of cities is a widespread phenomenon. This paper reports on the findings from the case study on illegal drug crime in one of the prime locations of Narayanganj City Corporation. The physical... more
Crime like drug dealing in public places of cities is a widespread phenomenon. This paper reports on the findings from the case study on illegal drug crime in one of the prime locations of Narayanganj City Corporation. The physical location of 216 incidents of illegal drug dealing is analyzed here with respect to spatial configuration of streets and corresponding land use. The main focus was on testing the hypothesis supported by the Crime Pattern theory that drug dealing is more likely to happen in areas which are near streets or places that triggers a flow of good number of people at a regular basis. The main tool used in this paper is Space Syntax methodology. Here integration (HH), control and weighted optimal local choice levels of streets at reported locations are considered while using the space syntax methodology. The aim of the paper is to identify the spatial attribute of drug crime locations to help the crime control authorities for identifying crime zones easily so that they can act proactive rather than reactive.
Results show that, street accessibility, proximity to specific land use, the number of intersections that need to be crossed to reach a street at a local level and their angle of visibility has a significant effect on location choice of drug dealing. Rational choices (to movement) of streets and mixed-use residential areas with close proximity to poorly integrated streets show more vulnerability for becoming selling point of drugs. Also the streets having drug crime record show an inverse relation between streets control value and weighted choice value at local level. These results indicate that spatial attributes while explored can help to control the potential crimes in cities and create a responsive environment in social terms.
FARU International Research Conference 2015
Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
“Making built environments responsive”
December 11- 12, 2015,
Results show that, street accessibility, proximity to specific land use, the number of intersections that need to be crossed to reach a street at a local level and their angle of visibility has a significant effect on location choice of drug dealing. Rational choices (to movement) of streets and mixed-use residential areas with close proximity to poorly integrated streets show more vulnerability for becoming selling point of drugs. Also the streets having drug crime record show an inverse relation between streets control value and weighted choice value at local level. These results indicate that spatial attributes while explored can help to control the potential crimes in cities and create a responsive environment in social terms.
FARU International Research Conference 2015
Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
“Making built environments responsive”
December 11- 12, 2015,
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Book Published:
"Creating an Urban Oasis"
on the occasion of Student Design Competition for the Old Airport of Dhaka,
Organized by Association of BUET Aumni.
30 October, 2015, Dhaka
"Creating an Urban Oasis"
on the occasion of Student Design Competition for the Old Airport of Dhaka,
Organized by Association of BUET Aumni.
30 October, 2015, Dhaka
Research Interests:
Open space can be defined as un-built lands within the city which provide environmental, social, and economic benefits for the communities that cover land and water bodies devoted to recreation, scenic beauty, and conservation. In... more
Open space can be defined as un-built lands within the city which provide environmental, social, and economic benefits for the communities that cover land and water bodies devoted to recreation, scenic beauty, and conservation. In addition to their ecological and aesthetic value to urban dwellers, open spaces are used as recreational facilities either in active or in passive mode. Apart from open space, urban heritage also forms an integral part of recreation for domestic and foreign tourists. They are important indicators for the livability of towns and cities to ensure the health and well-being of the citizens. This Chapter of the report deals with open space, covering active and passive recreational open spaces including green networks, urban and peri-urban greening, water bodies, and heritage issues as important elements of urban recreation
Research Interests:
Cities are large, apparently complex physical and spatial objects, which is at once a record of the functional processes that historically created it (Hillier, 1996). The buildings and other physical infra-structure which comprise the... more
Cities are large, apparently complex physical and spatial objects, which is at once a record of the functional processes that historically created it (Hillier, 1996). The buildings and other physical infra-structure which comprise the built-environment are not fixed but affected continuously by dynamic forces of change initiated by public and private interests (Pacione, 2001). Therefore, analysis of urban change involves a study of vertical growth of buildings, increase in housing density, decrease in open spaces and the specific patterns of destruction and survival of buildings, initiated by the interaction between building, land use and other factors associated with the dynamics of urban growth. On the other hand, the dynamic impact of the socio-economic forces acts primarily through the relations between movement and the structure of the urban grid.
One of the fast growing part of Dhaka city is Gulshan and it’s main spine Gulshan Avenue has depicted distinct changes in last few decades. In this paper, the process of change manifested along Gulshan Avenue is explored through the transformation of built-forms and its function and through the emergence of new and novel structures. A chronological development of buildings and their surrounding spaces, lots or parcels, land use intensity and changes in land use are all documented here to explore the dynamic process of urban transformation along Gulshan Avenue with its impact on the physical and functional attributes of the built-environment.
Understanding the various forces in the process of urban transformation, an effort has been made in this paper, to document a detail investigation of changing morphological properties of basic elements of urban form and other variables. The inter-relation between the variables that characterize the morphological transformation along Gulshan Avenue is developed here. It depicts that transformation of spatial configuration of Gulshan residential area generated greater accessibility along Gulshan Avenue and transformed the land use pattern there. Together with this spatial factor, the development of economic activities of the city produced excessive demand on urban land. The quantity and quality of space required for these activities was not conceived in the original structure of Dhaka city. The plots along Gulshan Avenue with the ease of accessibility and higher connectivity provided a higher choice for this process. Therefore, these services started to locate themselves in this urban area, transforming Gulshan Avenue. So, land use, an important variable of morphological transformation is affected primarily by the spatial structure and specific economic demand of this area. Land use, in turn affected the built-form, by re-using or re-building them to accommodate higher order functional activities.
This study revealed that, the structure of the urban grid is the single determinant of urban movement and this relationship had a powerful force in shaping this urban area, by its effect on land use patterns, plot sub-division or amalgamation, building densities, survival and demolition of buildings and mixing of uses. The dynamic relation between all these attributes altogether contributed to the total process of morphological transformation along Gulshan Avenue.
One of the fast growing part of Dhaka city is Gulshan and it’s main spine Gulshan Avenue has depicted distinct changes in last few decades. In this paper, the process of change manifested along Gulshan Avenue is explored through the transformation of built-forms and its function and through the emergence of new and novel structures. A chronological development of buildings and their surrounding spaces, lots or parcels, land use intensity and changes in land use are all documented here to explore the dynamic process of urban transformation along Gulshan Avenue with its impact on the physical and functional attributes of the built-environment.
Understanding the various forces in the process of urban transformation, an effort has been made in this paper, to document a detail investigation of changing morphological properties of basic elements of urban form and other variables. The inter-relation between the variables that characterize the morphological transformation along Gulshan Avenue is developed here. It depicts that transformation of spatial configuration of Gulshan residential area generated greater accessibility along Gulshan Avenue and transformed the land use pattern there. Together with this spatial factor, the development of economic activities of the city produced excessive demand on urban land. The quantity and quality of space required for these activities was not conceived in the original structure of Dhaka city. The plots along Gulshan Avenue with the ease of accessibility and higher connectivity provided a higher choice for this process. Therefore, these services started to locate themselves in this urban area, transforming Gulshan Avenue. So, land use, an important variable of morphological transformation is affected primarily by the spatial structure and specific economic demand of this area. Land use, in turn affected the built-form, by re-using or re-building them to accommodate higher order functional activities.
This study revealed that, the structure of the urban grid is the single determinant of urban movement and this relationship had a powerful force in shaping this urban area, by its effect on land use patterns, plot sub-division or amalgamation, building densities, survival and demolition of buildings and mixing of uses. The dynamic relation between all these attributes altogether contributed to the total process of morphological transformation along Gulshan Avenue.
Research Interests:
Working Paper on “Spatial Analysis for Planning - An application of Space Syntax methodology in exploring the morphological characteristics of Mymensingh Town” submitted to Urban Development Directorate (UDD), GoB for Mymensingh Strategic... more
Working Paper on “Spatial Analysis for Planning - An application of Space Syntax methodology in exploring the morphological characteristics of Mymensingh Town” submitted to Urban Development Directorate (UDD), GoB for Mymensingh Strategic Development Plan (MSDP) Project, 2011-2031, part of Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP-II), GoB. May 2014
Research Interests:
Abstract: This thesis has its general interest in the morphological structure of the urban grid of Dhaka city. It aims to have an understanding of the underlying organisation of its organic spatial structure which is visible as an... more
Abstract: This thesis has its general interest in the morphological structure of the urban grid of Dhaka city. It aims to have an understanding of the underlying organisation of its organic spatial structure which is visible as an apparent maze. The research interest is directed towards the study of ‘local areas’ as the intricate global pattern of the organic spatial structure of Dhaka generates through a cumulative generic process which seems to be best understood from its local rules. In addition, as the organic cities are mainly assembled according to the desires and aspirations of their inhabitants, therefore the main intention is to characterise the social grouping and their corresponding spatial organisation in the local areas from the citizen’s standpoint.
Three techniques are applied here to have an overall grasp of the local area structuring. The research has undertaken a cognitive search to comprehend the inhabitants perception of local areas; and has used the behavioural techniques to understand the social network and functional pattern in local areas. It has applied Space Syntax to determine the morphological characteristics of the perceived local areas and their articulation pattern in the global structure of Dhaka. The major emphasis is placed here on a comparative study of the naturally grown local areas in the historic and contemporary part of Dhaka in order to identify the changes and continuity in the spatial structure and their pertaining social pattern.
In order to disentangle the multifarious issues of the urban grid and social life the social as well as spatial structure of six local areas of Dhaka are examined. It is revealed that historic city is arranged as a combination of socially integrated as well as spatially distinct ‘mohallas’, whereas new Dhaka is organised with its physical parts having named identity, i.e. the ‘localities’. The society in old Dhaka is very traditional and localised in nature; whereas new Dhaka has an individuated and transpatial society. Finally, the spatial analysis shows that morphological characteristics of the indigenous areas are carried over by their newer counterparts, at the same time two groups also reveal the cultural differences between the social formation of old and new Dhaka. However, morphologically the global form of the organic city has a primary structure with high syntactic values which link together both the mohallas and the localities in a naturally ordered arrangement.
Three techniques are applied here to have an overall grasp of the local area structuring. The research has undertaken a cognitive search to comprehend the inhabitants perception of local areas; and has used the behavioural techniques to understand the social network and functional pattern in local areas. It has applied Space Syntax to determine the morphological characteristics of the perceived local areas and their articulation pattern in the global structure of Dhaka. The major emphasis is placed here on a comparative study of the naturally grown local areas in the historic and contemporary part of Dhaka in order to identify the changes and continuity in the spatial structure and their pertaining social pattern.
In order to disentangle the multifarious issues of the urban grid and social life the social as well as spatial structure of six local areas of Dhaka are examined. It is revealed that historic city is arranged as a combination of socially integrated as well as spatially distinct ‘mohallas’, whereas new Dhaka is organised with its physical parts having named identity, i.e. the ‘localities’. The society in old Dhaka is very traditional and localised in nature; whereas new Dhaka has an individuated and transpatial society. Finally, the spatial analysis shows that morphological characteristics of the indigenous areas are carried over by their newer counterparts, at the same time two groups also reveal the cultural differences between the social formation of old and new Dhaka. However, morphologically the global form of the organic city has a primary structure with high syntactic values which link together both the mohallas and the localities in a naturally ordered arrangement.
Research Interests:
The ancient city of Panam was established in late 19th century in a non-urban setting in Dhaka region. Panam was famous for cotton manufacturing and trading during British rule. The cotton traders built a good number of closely located... more
The ancient city of Panam was established in late 19th century in a non-urban setting in Dhaka region. Panam was famous for cotton manufacturing and trading during British rule. The cotton traders built a good number of closely located and nicely ornamented buildings with narrow street frontage. According to history these buildings were owned by merchants who were absentee landlords, coming Panam once or twice a year. However, history explained little about their life styles and function of these buildings. The buildings apparently similar from outward had a variety in terms of their spatial organizations which remains unexplained without any evidence of their use pattern. Although researchers attempted to classify those buildings into common residential types available in this region, a large number of buildings of Panam remain unexplained due to their idiosyncrasies and dissimilarities with the available types.
In absence of social and functional data, buildings can be defined abstractly as a certain ordering of categories, to which added a certain system of controls, the two conjointly constructing an interface between the inhabitants of the social knowledge embedded in the categories and the visitors who’s relation with them are controlled by the building (Hanson, 1998). Space syntax transforms the buildings into the form of adjacency graphs to represent, quantify and interpret spatial pattern in such a way that their underlying ‘social logic’ is understood. These syntactic statements explain the ‘abstract genotypes’. In search of genotypes, the syntactic data compiled here are compared to find any difference in the spatial organization among the different type of houses of Panam and to explain the ordering of space in these buildings in relation to the prevailing types in Dhaka region.
Among 52 dilapidated buildings of Panam, 22 buildings are analyzed as abstract systems. Apparently the layouts of large houses of Panam, with halls and courtyards, are similar to the urban residential houses of Dhaka region having courtyards with encircling corridors giving access to series of rooms. However, spatial analysis reveals that both the introverted and extroverted houses of Dhaka have a deep uni-linear sequence whereas in the genotypes of Panam that uni-linear sequence is not very common, rather ringiness became the major character. In fact, the houses of Panam have overlapping rings connecting most of the interior spaces along with the exterior suggesting the depth of the buildings of Panam much shallower than the buildings of Dhaka. From graph analysis it is quite clear that the halls were distributed with the exterior in a ring, thus become shallower and easily permeable for the visitors. It can be interpreted as the need of privacy was low indicating that buildings have less residential quality in respect to the socio-cultural background of Dhaka. Interestingly, spatial analysis suggests that the consolidated type buildings with segregated central spaces and integrated frontal rooms are completely different from any prevailing typology of Dhaka. Thus space syntax analysis suggests that perhaps some of the houses of Panam were not residential type; rather they have some other commercial use which is not clear from their history.
In absence of social and functional data, buildings can be defined abstractly as a certain ordering of categories, to which added a certain system of controls, the two conjointly constructing an interface between the inhabitants of the social knowledge embedded in the categories and the visitors who’s relation with them are controlled by the building (Hanson, 1998). Space syntax transforms the buildings into the form of adjacency graphs to represent, quantify and interpret spatial pattern in such a way that their underlying ‘social logic’ is understood. These syntactic statements explain the ‘abstract genotypes’. In search of genotypes, the syntactic data compiled here are compared to find any difference in the spatial organization among the different type of houses of Panam and to explain the ordering of space in these buildings in relation to the prevailing types in Dhaka region.
Among 52 dilapidated buildings of Panam, 22 buildings are analyzed as abstract systems. Apparently the layouts of large houses of Panam, with halls and courtyards, are similar to the urban residential houses of Dhaka region having courtyards with encircling corridors giving access to series of rooms. However, spatial analysis reveals that both the introverted and extroverted houses of Dhaka have a deep uni-linear sequence whereas in the genotypes of Panam that uni-linear sequence is not very common, rather ringiness became the major character. In fact, the houses of Panam have overlapping rings connecting most of the interior spaces along with the exterior suggesting the depth of the buildings of Panam much shallower than the buildings of Dhaka. From graph analysis it is quite clear that the halls were distributed with the exterior in a ring, thus become shallower and easily permeable for the visitors. It can be interpreted as the need of privacy was low indicating that buildings have less residential quality in respect to the socio-cultural background of Dhaka. Interestingly, spatial analysis suggests that the consolidated type buildings with segregated central spaces and integrated frontal rooms are completely different from any prevailing typology of Dhaka. Thus space syntax analysis suggests that perhaps some of the houses of Panam were not residential type; rather they have some other commercial use which is not clear from their history.
Research Interests:
The fundamental morphological characteristics of Dhaka city is described here from a historical perspective. Since its establishment, Dhaka represents domination of an organic spatial character in general. Here in Dhaka, two dominant... more
The fundamental morphological characteristics of Dhaka city is described here from a historical perspective. Since its establishment, Dhaka represents domination of an organic spatial character in general. Here in Dhaka, two dominant urban patterns are conspicuous within the successive stages of growth; they are the historical core or 'old Dhaka' and the later development towards the north, known as 'new Dhaka'. Besides, a few planned additions are also featured in this city. Thus, this study identifies that four major spatial patterns are co-existent in Dhaka; they are indigenous and informal developments; colonial and planned interventions. The essential morphological characteristics of these patterns, which are prevalent in Dhaka, are described here. Major discussion concentrates on the global spatial structure of the organic city and investigates the dynamics of its growth and the characteristics of morphological transformations through the ages. It analyzes the axial maps of Dhaka and determines from ‘integration’ analysis [based on the method of Space Syntax as developed in UCL, London, 1984] that the spatial structure of the organic city has been shaping an urban core which coincides with the functional centers of the city in different historical stages. Thus the spatial dynamics of Dhaka and its core corresponds to a social history which remains as the underlying force behind the spontaneous formation of its morphological structure.
Research Interests:
Cities in the delta have unique spatial character being criss-crossed by rivers and canals. Keraniganj Upazila of Dhaka District is a settlement surrounded by two big rivers which are again connected by a canal network. The spatial... more
Cities in the delta have unique spatial character being criss-crossed by rivers and canals. Keraniganj Upazila of Dhaka District is a settlement surrounded by two big rivers which are again connected by a canal network. The spatial network of Keraniganj, therefore, has got some significance due to it’s connectivity with the water-ways. However, as a result of many insentient manmade efforts, the water-ways of this settlement did not developed to any integrated system with the surface routes. Canals are being used as drainage channels or being filled up. Moreover, seasonal floods have detrimental effects on the land-use and infrastructure. As a result the potential development of Keraniganj is being hampered. A new land-use proposal under Detailed Area Plan (DAP) is in process of implementation. Besides, the inhabitants are trying to develop their own solution through a number of local roads. None of them, the professionals or the locals, ever takes the challenge to live negotiating with nature. It appears that the spatial characteristics of the existing and proposed network need to be explored in order to evolve a sustainable spatial network for Keraniganj.
This paper analyses the existing spatial network of Keraniganj and tries to determine the focal points for land-use development. Taking the exiting and proposed land-use in consideration, a comprehensive spatial network integrating the land with water routes are examined here. Besides, the impact of local roads of different hierarchy, those are developed away from the planning intervention, are also considered in association with the canal network. The total scenario has an incredible drawback due to regular and continuing flood in every year. It appears that the spatial network suffers from a conflicting situation as the integrated core, being located in relatively lower elevations, gets inundated by recurring floods. Some localized solutions are essential to overcome this situation. The canals, perhaps some selected branches, and part of the network of local roads needs to be identified to ensure a useful spatial network of a sustainable settlement. Finally, a sustainable spatial network is proposed for a water-woven geography of Keraniganj, which is integrated with the proposed land-use.
This paper analyses the existing spatial network of Keraniganj and tries to determine the focal points for land-use development. Taking the exiting and proposed land-use in consideration, a comprehensive spatial network integrating the land with water routes are examined here. Besides, the impact of local roads of different hierarchy, those are developed away from the planning intervention, are also considered in association with the canal network. The total scenario has an incredible drawback due to regular and continuing flood in every year. It appears that the spatial network suffers from a conflicting situation as the integrated core, being located in relatively lower elevations, gets inundated by recurring floods. Some localized solutions are essential to overcome this situation. The canals, perhaps some selected branches, and part of the network of local roads needs to be identified to ensure a useful spatial network of a sustainable settlement. Finally, a sustainable spatial network is proposed for a water-woven geography of Keraniganj, which is integrated with the proposed land-use.
The rapid population growth along with increased and versatile urban land use patterns has generated substantial travel demand as well as numerous transport problems in Dhaka city. Inadequate urban transport planning and management has... more
The rapid population growth along with increased and versatile urban land use patterns has generated substantial travel demand as well as numerous transport problems in Dhaka city. Inadequate urban transport planning and management has resulted in deterioration in accessibility, operational efficiency and urban environment. To solve this hazardous travel environment in metropolitan area, the Strategic Transport Plan has launched with the aim to sidetrack city’s lone dependency on surface transportation system to monorail, metro rail, elevated expressways and inland waterways. Ironically, majority of these solutions could not utilize the cities inherent possibilities; rather they picked up hired solutions. Dhaka city, like many other cities in the world, was crisscrossed by canals and surrounded by rivers. The city itself developed on the bank of river Buriganga and was dependent on water based transportations as an access route to the historic city. But in developing city’s infrastructure, the city authority never followed its integral natural features. Even these canals never played any role by the users to reduce city’s traffic load on surface, so the problem persists.
This paper focuses on the possibilities of recent government intervention of Circular Waterways which covers the peripheral water routes of Dhaka city. It also explores the inherent morphological characteristics of the city through reviving present & historic canal networks to serve as an alternative and supplementary transportation system. Finally, the impact on the projected movement pattern of city traffic with an integration of water ways and the land routes has been syntactically analyzed. At present, the city grid with peripheral waterways, encircling the city shows trivial changes in the global movement pattern. The proposed Circular Waterway remains totally segregated from the global integration core due to its physical location and weaker connections with the city grid. However, it is understood that the impact of Circular Waterways in case of Dhaka is much of a ‘by-pass’ route and it will be feasible as a route for commuters without conflicting the city traffic. It is also imperative to incorporate the internal waterways with the street network of the city considering their network connectivity and geographical position. The syntactic analysis reveals that the internal waterways, if revived, have greater influence on the local movement. While being integrated with street network, they will release traffic load from the highly integrated global routes to the less integrated local routes. Based on findings, this paper proposes a revised spatial structure for Dhaka city incorporating the river and canal systems in order to utilize the potential of its natural features towards a sustainable urban transport system. In doing so, Space Syntax methodology has been adopted for analysing the spatial structure of Dhaka city in present context along with simulated situation through reviving its historic canal systems.
This paper focuses on the possibilities of recent government intervention of Circular Waterways which covers the peripheral water routes of Dhaka city. It also explores the inherent morphological characteristics of the city through reviving present & historic canal networks to serve as an alternative and supplementary transportation system. Finally, the impact on the projected movement pattern of city traffic with an integration of water ways and the land routes has been syntactically analyzed. At present, the city grid with peripheral waterways, encircling the city shows trivial changes in the global movement pattern. The proposed Circular Waterway remains totally segregated from the global integration core due to its physical location and weaker connections with the city grid. However, it is understood that the impact of Circular Waterways in case of Dhaka is much of a ‘by-pass’ route and it will be feasible as a route for commuters without conflicting the city traffic. It is also imperative to incorporate the internal waterways with the street network of the city considering their network connectivity and geographical position. The syntactic analysis reveals that the internal waterways, if revived, have greater influence on the local movement. While being integrated with street network, they will release traffic load from the highly integrated global routes to the less integrated local routes. Based on findings, this paper proposes a revised spatial structure for Dhaka city incorporating the river and canal systems in order to utilize the potential of its natural features towards a sustainable urban transport system. In doing so, Space Syntax methodology has been adopted for analysing the spatial structure of Dhaka city in present context along with simulated situation through reviving its historic canal systems.
Rangpur, one of the most recent City Corporations of Bangladesh, is blessed with natural resources like open places, parks and water bodies at the centre of its city heart. This area has high potentiality to be developed as the central... more
Rangpur, one of the most recent City Corporations of Bangladesh, is blessed with natural resources like open places, parks and water bodies at the centre of its city heart. This area has high potentiality to be developed as the central “Recreational Hub” of this newly announced City Corporation. Open spaces work as the lungs of a city or a town. But often it is observed that these gathering spaces are not used to its full potential due to the location and insufficient accessibility to these areas from rest of the city. This paper aims to study the integration and accessibility of the selected public recreational open spaces of Rangpur City Corporation with “Space syntax” methodology by using different Urban Intervention Strategies for increasing the integration of the specific area. Through comparison and analysis, this paper thrives to find out some strategic guidelines to be implemented for the utmost use of the selected public open areas and to increase the intelligibility of these recreational spaces within the upcoming Master Plan of Rangpur City Corporation.
Cities are large, apparently complex physical and spatial objects, which is at once a record of the functional processes that historically created it (Hillier, 1996). The buildings and other physical infra-structure which comprise the... more
Cities are large, apparently complex physical and spatial objects, which is at once a record of the functional processes that historically created it (Hillier, 1996). The buildings and other physical infra-structure which comprise the built-environment are not fixed but affected continuously by dynamic forces of change initiated by public and private interests (Pacione, 2001). Therefore, analysis of urban change involves a study of vertical growth of buildings, increase in housing density, decrease in open spaces and the specific patterns of destruction and survival of buildings, initiated by the interaction between building, land use and other factors associated with the dynamics of urban growth. On the other hand, the dynamic impact of the socio-economic forces acts primarily through the relations between movement and the structure of the urban grid.
One of the fast growing part of Dhaka city is Gulshan and it’s main spine Gulshan Avenue has depicted distinct changes in last few decades. In this paper, the process of change manifested along Gulshan Avenue is explored through the transformation of built-forms and its function and through the emergence of new and novel structures. A chronological development of buildings and their surrounding spaces, lots or parcels, land use intensity and changes in land use are all documented here to explore the dynamic process of urban transformation along Gulshan Avenue with its impact on the physical and functional attributes of the built-environment.
Understanding the various forces in the process of urban transformation, an effort has been made in this paper, to document a detail investigation of changing morphological properties of basic elements of urban form and other variables. The inter-relation between the variables that characterize the morphological transformation along Gulshan Avenue is developed here. It depicts that transformation of spatial configuration of Gulshan residential area generated greater accessibility along Gulshan Avenue and transformed the land use pattern there. Together with this spatial factor, the development of economic activities of the city produced excessive demand on urban land. The quantity and quality of space required for these activities was not conceived in the original structure of Dhaka city. The plots along Gulshan Avenue with the ease of accessibility and higher connectivity provided a higher choice for this process. Therefore, these services started to locate themselves in this urban area, transforming Gulshan Avenue. So, land use, an important variable of morphological transformation is affected primarily by the spatial structure and specific economic demand of this area. Land use, in turn affected the built-form, by re-using or re-building them to accommodate higher order functional activities.
This study revealed that, the structure of the urban grid is the single determinant of urban movement and this relationship had a powerful force in shaping this urban area, by its effect on land use patterns, plot sub-division or amalgamation, building densities, survival and demolition of buildings and mixing of uses. The dynamic relation between all these attributes altogether contributed to the total process of morphological transformation along Gulshan Avenue.
Keywords: Urban Morphology, Morphological Transformation, Built-form Pattern, Land use Pattern, Dhaka City
One of the fast growing part of Dhaka city is Gulshan and it’s main spine Gulshan Avenue has depicted distinct changes in last few decades. In this paper, the process of change manifested along Gulshan Avenue is explored through the transformation of built-forms and its function and through the emergence of new and novel structures. A chronological development of buildings and their surrounding spaces, lots or parcels, land use intensity and changes in land use are all documented here to explore the dynamic process of urban transformation along Gulshan Avenue with its impact on the physical and functional attributes of the built-environment.
Understanding the various forces in the process of urban transformation, an effort has been made in this paper, to document a detail investigation of changing morphological properties of basic elements of urban form and other variables. The inter-relation between the variables that characterize the morphological transformation along Gulshan Avenue is developed here. It depicts that transformation of spatial configuration of Gulshan residential area generated greater accessibility along Gulshan Avenue and transformed the land use pattern there. Together with this spatial factor, the development of economic activities of the city produced excessive demand on urban land. The quantity and quality of space required for these activities was not conceived in the original structure of Dhaka city. The plots along Gulshan Avenue with the ease of accessibility and higher connectivity provided a higher choice for this process. Therefore, these services started to locate themselves in this urban area, transforming Gulshan Avenue. So, land use, an important variable of morphological transformation is affected primarily by the spatial structure and specific economic demand of this area. Land use, in turn affected the built-form, by re-using or re-building them to accommodate higher order functional activities.
This study revealed that, the structure of the urban grid is the single determinant of urban movement and this relationship had a powerful force in shaping this urban area, by its effect on land use patterns, plot sub-division or amalgamation, building densities, survival and demolition of buildings and mixing of uses. The dynamic relation between all these attributes altogether contributed to the total process of morphological transformation along Gulshan Avenue.
Keywords: Urban Morphology, Morphological Transformation, Built-form Pattern, Land use Pattern, Dhaka City
Abstract: Dhaka, being the capital city of Bangladesh, has pulled immense population from outside and has undergone through a continual transformation during the last few decades. People from different parts the country migrated to... more
Abstract:
Dhaka, being the capital city of Bangladesh, has pulled immense population from outside and has undergone through a continual transformation during the last few decades. People from different parts the country migrated to Dhaka, in search of job opportunity, educational facilities, centralized functions and other advanced facilities available in the city centre. The rate of excessive urbanization has direct impact on housing in general, and the house form in particular. The city expanded vertically and housing providers and developers have opted multistoried solution. From the single storied introvert and courtyard type houses that prevailed from the early stages of urbanization in Dhaka, the inhabitants have experienced the extrovert pavilion type bungalows and the consolidated walkup flats in later phases consecutively. Presently, people are being used to living in high-rise apartments within a limited space.
It has been experienced in Dhaka that due to rapid urbanization and constraint of space in urban areas and with the advancement of the society, the urban life resulted in a change in the pattern of residential space and in its organization. Domestic spaces have undergone modifications and privacy issue has attained a new vocabulary which differs from the traditional concept. The concept of privacy and segregation, as a product of socio-cultural and religious factors, has undergone a process of transformation with the changed spatial pattern of domestic spaces inside high-rise apartments. It has been evident in different societies that the privacy of the female members, has guided the domestic spatial organization with a control of visibility of inner spaces from public areas and restriction of access of the visitors. Through studying the visibility structures in houses, the privacy level accepted by a culture can be explained mathematically with the visibility integration value of the spaces used by women.
This paper reviews the transformation of urban house forms of middle and upper middle-income group in general and considers gender related spatial behaviour in the urban context of Dhaka city focusing on the position of women in the domestic space contribution and how privacy and controllability is perceived by the women user in the recent apartment houses. Visibility analysis of Space Syntax method is used to measure the varying degree of change of social meaning of domestic space organization in each stage of the evolution of urban houses in Dhaka. the attitude of present women is studied analytically and it has been identified that the women, although has a changed role in the family in the recent apartments, still prefer to occupy spaces that are visibly more integrated and can have a control over the adjacent spaces from their working area in the domestic environment. This shows that in spite of morphological changes of domestic space organization from traditional to present day context, the concept of privacy with respect to women users has been given less importance by the recent women users and controllability over the adjacent spaces tends to resume its position that was evident in the traditional courtyard type living too.
Keywords: traditional house form, privacy and controllability, women users of recent apartments in Dhaka city.
Dhaka, being the capital city of Bangladesh, has pulled immense population from outside and has undergone through a continual transformation during the last few decades. People from different parts the country migrated to Dhaka, in search of job opportunity, educational facilities, centralized functions and other advanced facilities available in the city centre. The rate of excessive urbanization has direct impact on housing in general, and the house form in particular. The city expanded vertically and housing providers and developers have opted multistoried solution. From the single storied introvert and courtyard type houses that prevailed from the early stages of urbanization in Dhaka, the inhabitants have experienced the extrovert pavilion type bungalows and the consolidated walkup flats in later phases consecutively. Presently, people are being used to living in high-rise apartments within a limited space.
It has been experienced in Dhaka that due to rapid urbanization and constraint of space in urban areas and with the advancement of the society, the urban life resulted in a change in the pattern of residential space and in its organization. Domestic spaces have undergone modifications and privacy issue has attained a new vocabulary which differs from the traditional concept. The concept of privacy and segregation, as a product of socio-cultural and religious factors, has undergone a process of transformation with the changed spatial pattern of domestic spaces inside high-rise apartments. It has been evident in different societies that the privacy of the female members, has guided the domestic spatial organization with a control of visibility of inner spaces from public areas and restriction of access of the visitors. Through studying the visibility structures in houses, the privacy level accepted by a culture can be explained mathematically with the visibility integration value of the spaces used by women.
This paper reviews the transformation of urban house forms of middle and upper middle-income group in general and considers gender related spatial behaviour in the urban context of Dhaka city focusing on the position of women in the domestic space contribution and how privacy and controllability is perceived by the women user in the recent apartment houses. Visibility analysis of Space Syntax method is used to measure the varying degree of change of social meaning of domestic space organization in each stage of the evolution of urban houses in Dhaka. the attitude of present women is studied analytically and it has been identified that the women, although has a changed role in the family in the recent apartments, still prefer to occupy spaces that are visibly more integrated and can have a control over the adjacent spaces from their working area in the domestic environment. This shows that in spite of morphological changes of domestic space organization from traditional to present day context, the concept of privacy with respect to women users has been given less importance by the recent women users and controllability over the adjacent spaces tends to resume its position that was evident in the traditional courtyard type living too.
Keywords: traditional house form, privacy and controllability, women users of recent apartments in Dhaka city.
Abstract: Cities are always in the process of change and evolution. Dhaka city, which was a small trading town by origin and expanded to a megacity in later period, is not an exception. During the initial phase of city’s development... more
Abstract: Cities are always in the process of change and evolution. Dhaka city, which was a small trading town by origin and expanded to a megacity in later period, is not an exception. During the initial phase of city’s development shophouses, a domestic unit of living and working together, were an important aspect of city’s economic life. Throughout the early stage its location was limited to the pre-Mughal Hindu core of the city which was eventually flourished in other localities followed by socio-economic and political changes. Moreover, the phenomenon of the growth of shophouses in old Dhaka is so significant that by the end of 20th century entire part of old Dhaka was identified as mixed use development. Along with its growth, the traditional shophouses have also experienced morphological changes in terms of their extent and spatial organization which simultaneously influenced the spatial properties of streets in local areas, and thereby set some impact on the traditional life of old city and it’s fabric. Hence the direct relationship of shops with the street in earlier period has changed as the shops of the recent development have penetrated deep into the building. Therefore the morphological transformations in old Dhaka require investigation into the spatial dynamics of the city in relation to the growth and development of shophouses. At the same time it is also essential to understand the changing spatial dynamics of local areas due to the morphological changes of the whole city as well as that of the built forms.
The axial structure of cities can be analyzed using Space Syntax (Hillier and Hanson, 1984) to understand the configurational character of urban form. In this present paper, the spatial structure of old Dhaka is modeled from different historical periods up to date and the “Space Syntax” method is used to analyze the spatial properties of street configuration, like accessibility, depth etc, to find out its interrelationship with the locational aspects of shophouses and their organization pattern. The spatial organization of built form of Tanti Bazar is used as embedded system in spatial analysis to reveal the changing level of spatial properties of street with the shophouses due to the morphological changes of built forms. First hand information was collected form field survey conducted on the selected streets of TantiBazar. The paper, thus, aims to examine the relationship between the spatial structure and the locational aspects of shophouses in old Dhaka and proceed to investigate the impact of the changes of built forms of Tanti Bazar in spatial terms. The economic functions tended to be concentrated on the integration structure of a settlement. The major finding of the study also clarified the statement that the locational growth of shophouses in different areas was always guided by the spatial structure of old Dhaka historically. In addition the level of the spatial properties of street has decreased with the shophouses along with their morphological changes which in turn influence the social life of the city at present.
Key words: Transformation of spatial structure, Space Syntax, Locational aspect, Shophouses, Old
Dhaka.
The axial structure of cities can be analyzed using Space Syntax (Hillier and Hanson, 1984) to understand the configurational character of urban form. In this present paper, the spatial structure of old Dhaka is modeled from different historical periods up to date and the “Space Syntax” method is used to analyze the spatial properties of street configuration, like accessibility, depth etc, to find out its interrelationship with the locational aspects of shophouses and their organization pattern. The spatial organization of built form of Tanti Bazar is used as embedded system in spatial analysis to reveal the changing level of spatial properties of street with the shophouses due to the morphological changes of built forms. First hand information was collected form field survey conducted on the selected streets of TantiBazar. The paper, thus, aims to examine the relationship between the spatial structure and the locational aspects of shophouses in old Dhaka and proceed to investigate the impact of the changes of built forms of Tanti Bazar in spatial terms. The economic functions tended to be concentrated on the integration structure of a settlement. The major finding of the study also clarified the statement that the locational growth of shophouses in different areas was always guided by the spatial structure of old Dhaka historically. In addition the level of the spatial properties of street has decreased with the shophouses along with their morphological changes which in turn influence the social life of the city at present.
Key words: Transformation of spatial structure, Space Syntax, Locational aspect, Shophouses, Old
Dhaka.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
During the Mughal period when Dhaka was the capital of Bengal, its boundary was extended from Buriganga to Tongi, almost 12 miles. But the built up city was rather limited within two and half miles from Buriganga. Beyond this limit, the... more
During the Mughal period when Dhaka was the capital of Bengal, its boundary was extended from Buriganga to Tongi, almost 12 miles. But the built up city was rather limited within two and half miles from Buriganga. Beyond this limit, the Mughal city had vast gardens like areas. However, within the city there were open spaces, some were planned and others were spontaneously created. Mughal gardens were famous in India, but the mughal influence on the development of Dhaka was limited. However, the Lalbagh Fort, developed by the Mughals, was majestic. Besides, there were gardens surrounding the palaces and inside the Old fort of Dhaka. Chawk bazaar was famous Mughal open market. The medieval Dhaka also had local nodes within its dense fabric. There were open squares (courtyards) with public buildings - Katras and mosques. Mughals established an Idgah in the northern firing of the city. This paper gives a brief account of the various open spaces in Dhaka city during the Mughal period. Due to unavailability of a cartographic map of Dhaka of Mughal period, many information are taken form the written documents. However, the whole setting of Mughal Dhaka, as modeled here, depicts a prosperous urban environment with its open spaces
Cities are in a continuous process of change and readjustment of its different parts, which are spontaneously developed or deliberately planned under different socio-economic and political conditions in different period. Over the history,... more
Cities are in a continuous process of change and readjustment of its different parts, which are spontaneously developed or deliberately planned under different socio-economic and political conditions in different period. Over the history, different parts of Dhaka city, which is the capital of Bangladesh, have undergone various physical and functional transformations. It is observed that in spite of several controls, the planned residential areas of Dhaka city have experienced morphological transformation in land use pattern with a minor change in the spatial layout to adapt with the community need. As a result, the planned residential areas tend to become transformed into an unplanned state in relation to their physical layout and distribution of non-residential function.
The paper aims to find out the spatial logic of morphological transformation of functional pattern in planned residential areas of Dhaka city. This paper therefore explores the interrelation between land use pattern and spatial structure of three planned residential areas of Dhaka city by adopting a spatial analysis based on ‘Space Syntax’ theories and techniques. In an attempt to investigate the reason for morphological transformation of functional patterns, the study focuses on the analysis of their spatial transformation through the comparative syntactic analysis during the historic process of growth of Dhaka city within which the planned areas are embedded.
In this paper, when planned areas are tested as an independent system, the spatial analysis shows minor changes in the spatial structure of the local area. But when it is analyzed as an embedded part of the whole system, it has been revealed that due to the changes in the global organic spatial structure of Dhaka city, the planned areas were more integrated in the process of time with the whole urban system which appear to be the main cause of morphological transformation in functional pattern of the planned residential areas. Thus unplanned grid of Dhaka city played an important role to transform the planned parts.
The paper aims to find out the spatial logic of morphological transformation of functional pattern in planned residential areas of Dhaka city. This paper therefore explores the interrelation between land use pattern and spatial structure of three planned residential areas of Dhaka city by adopting a spatial analysis based on ‘Space Syntax’ theories and techniques. In an attempt to investigate the reason for morphological transformation of functional patterns, the study focuses on the analysis of their spatial transformation through the comparative syntactic analysis during the historic process of growth of Dhaka city within which the planned areas are embedded.
In this paper, when planned areas are tested as an independent system, the spatial analysis shows minor changes in the spatial structure of the local area. But when it is analyzed as an embedded part of the whole system, it has been revealed that due to the changes in the global organic spatial structure of Dhaka city, the planned areas were more integrated in the process of time with the whole urban system which appear to be the main cause of morphological transformation in functional pattern of the planned residential areas. Thus unplanned grid of Dhaka city played an important role to transform the planned parts.
The Dhanmondi Lake redevelopment in flood-prone Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a paradigmatic strategic urban project in a growing city. The scheme simultaneously restores and manages a significant urban water resource, provides public recreation... more
The Dhanmondi Lake redevelopment in flood-prone Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a paradigmatic strategic urban project in a growing city. The scheme simultaneously restores and manages a significant urban water resource, provides public recreation spaces, and incorporates clever design strategies to avoid encroachment by the city.
Densification is one of the major urban phenomena of the developing cities like Dhaka. Dhaka has undergone phenomenal growth since last three decades. In due course of time, the expansion of the city has created demand for new spaces for... more
Densification is one of the major urban phenomena of the developing cities like Dhaka. Dhaka has undergone phenomenal growth since last three decades. In due course of time, the expansion of the city has created demand for new spaces for required urban activities at convenient locations with ease of accessibility and improved environment. All these aspects reclaimed some unused and less-used areas of the city and integrated those areas with the main flow of life. As a result, in addition to the physical expansion of the city, the internal morphology of urban areas has been evolving to time; thereby continually changing the urban fabric. Such morphological transformations are taking place both at the level of urban grid and at the level of plots in different parts of the city.
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This paper concentrates mainly on the conceptual deliberation of Cultural Space based on review of prevailing ideas in the literature. The focus of this paper lies on the characterization of cultural space particularly as urban space. It... more
This paper concentrates mainly on the conceptual deliberation of Cultural Space based on review of prevailing ideas in the literature. The focus of this paper lies on the characterization of cultural space particularly as urban space. It has been revealed that like the word ‘Culture’ which indicates the way of life of people, cultural space is also concerned about both people and their environment within a range of natural and cultural values. The notion of cultural space is not merely a physical entity but also a perceptual reality. This paper attempts to determine the characteristic features of ‘Cultural Space’ in order to visualize that theme in real world and to understand those as urban space. It has been identified that concept of cultural space encompasses the collective memory and historical layering of spaces where the additional structure provides memory, identity and imageability of collective existential consciousness. In addition to the perceptual component; the cultural space comprises of social and physical attributes of space.
Explosive urbanization and decreasing resources jointly envisage a fateful future for the developing cities like Dhaka. In order to increase awareness about the problems of the urban and regional context the students of Architecture in... more
Explosive urbanization and decreasing resources jointly envisage a fateful future for the developing cities like Dhaka. In order to increase awareness about the problems of the urban and regional context the students of Architecture in BUET are being exposed to the critical issues of the cities in fourth year level. In their Urban Design studio students try to use the physical design tools and propose the policy decisions in accordance. They had tried to shape the larger scale public/private environment and systematically manage its growth and change of the city. The studio objectives were to create an information base regarding the context - Dhaka city- and to investigate the impacts of large-scale infrastructure development. As part of the overall studio effort, it was tried to formulate urban design guidelines supporting diversity, complexity and richness of the new development in the local urban context. This paper tries to depict the urban design ‘process’ followed in the studio and the ‘product’ in the academic paradigm.
It has been revealed that due to the introduction of the large-scale infrastructure in the existing city, the built environment faces adverse impacts in environmental, economic, transportation, building fabric and other related issues. It is well understood that to save cities and metropolises from themselves, necessary ‘Action for sustainability’ seems to be an answer. The studio efforts are concern about three paradigms of sustainability - Sustainable Development, Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Architecture. Beside the design process, this paper will also focus on the outcome of the studio. It will show that through the design proposals it was tried to formulate the framework of urban design in a regime of sustainable development.
It has been revealed that due to the introduction of the large-scale infrastructure in the existing city, the built environment faces adverse impacts in environmental, economic, transportation, building fabric and other related issues. It is well understood that to save cities and metropolises from themselves, necessary ‘Action for sustainability’ seems to be an answer. The studio efforts are concern about three paradigms of sustainability - Sustainable Development, Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Architecture. Beside the design process, this paper will also focus on the outcome of the studio. It will show that through the design proposals it was tried to formulate the framework of urban design in a regime of sustainable development.
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has grown from a small trading town to a metropolitan city. With the passage of time an organic morphological pattern has been spontaneously developing here without any rigid planning proposal. However,... more
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has grown from a small trading town to a metropolitan city. With the passage of time an organic morphological pattern has been spontaneously developing here without any rigid planning proposal. However, the spatial structure of organic cities like Dhaka is generally developed spontaneously in line with inhabitants' aspirations. Within the apparent spatial disorder of the ‘natural city’, people must have a territorial need for sense of a place. Indeed, the mohallas, the historic neighborhoods in old Dhaka, had a territorial base, which revealed a social segregation symbolized by geographical definition. It is crucial to identify the essential components of present urban morphology in order to sustain the urban condition necessary for the continuation of our cultural milieu amid rapid urban transformation. This paper analyses the visible form of Dhaka to identify its different territorial units that have distinct social as well as spatial identity in the image of its inhabitants. Within the apparent morphological disorder in an organic city, Dhaka, a ‘tree’ like mental organization exists in cognitive image of inhabitants. This paper gives an evidence of a community at local level in Dhaka defined by the ‘territorial boundary’. These reflect inhabitants' particular need for identity and sense of a place within the organic city.
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Introduction: In 1947 the partition of British India gave birth to the state named Pakistan and its Eastern Province later became a sovereign state named Bangladesh. This part of the write up will narrate the Architectural achievements in... more
Introduction: In 1947 the partition of British India gave birth to the state named Pakistan and its Eastern Province later became a sovereign state named Bangladesh. This part of the write up will narrate the Architectural achievements in East Pakistan and its history since 1947 to 1971.
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'Pavement' is a vital urban space which plays a significant role to urban life. To make a city livable physical design of pavements must be compatible to their functional need. This present paper reexamines the outdoor activities that are... more
'Pavement' is a vital urban space which plays a significant role to urban life. To make a city livable physical design of pavements must be compatible to their functional need. This present paper reexamines the outdoor activities that are taking place on 'pavements' in Dhaka. It is found out that such spaces are not used in a desirable way. Therefore, pavements needs to be regenerated as an effective urban space. In that respect alternatives, which are appropriate to our context, are suggested here to recover the 'pavements' from their incompetent use at present time.
This paper will undertake a brief investigation into the sequence of changes that took place within the morphological pattern of Dhaka. Throughout the century, the growing city seems to have exhibited a series of informal and organic... more
This paper will undertake a brief investigation into the sequence of changes that took place within the morphological pattern of Dhaka. Throughout the century, the growing city seems to have exhibited a series of informal and organic spatial patterns. Yet, despite these morphological continuities, major spatial changes at a global scale can be identified through analysis, which can be shown increasingly to have had an impact on the face of the city. Thus, the paper will try to pinpoint how the cumulative process of growth and consolidation has influenced the spatial structure of Dhaka at a global scale by using the tool of ‘Space Syntax” . The hypothesis guiding this investigation is that the overall spatial structure of the historical and contemporary city of Dhaka can be shown to exhibit objective configurational differences and the evolved urban grid seems to have guided the landuse pattern in different phases of its history. The research aim is therefore to explore and quantify the nature of the spatial transformation which has taken place within the city during the last century, and to see how far the society corresponds to the spatial structure through the adaptability of landuse pattern. However, the first section of this paper will briefly describe the space syntax method in order to pave the way for the latter part of the text where the method be applied to the case of Dhaka
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Cities as mega structures are mostly encountering spontaneous growth in an unplanned way in the developing counties. The urban form of unplanned cities has seldom focused in urban studies due to their in-built complexity and... more
Cities as mega structures are mostly encountering spontaneous growth in an unplanned way in the developing counties. The urban form of unplanned cities has seldom focused in urban studies due to their in-built complexity and non-conformity to planned cities in the developed world. There remains a genuine interest to explore the underlying order or logic, if any, behind such urban forms. This paper aims to explore a fundamental relation between the configuration of space in Dhaka, a non-western city, and the way that it functions. Finally, it determines the spatial structure of Dhaka's urban core and the process of it's transformation.
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The urban population of Dhaka suffers from lack of proper urban facilities. The 'Public open spaces' are needed for different functional and leisure activities of the urban dwellers. In spite of growing densification, a number of open... more
The urban population of Dhaka suffers from lack of proper urban facilities. The 'Public open spaces' are needed for different functional and leisure activities of the urban dwellers. In spite of growing densification, a number of open spaces are scattered in the city. Such areas often found to be misused by anti-social occurrences, thereby resulting into dehumanized areas. Moreover, the existing open spaces are frequently threatened by encroachment. The role of public open spaces, both at community and city level, is important to improve the social ties and social control for future generations. Therefore, it seems that the open spaces need to be more effective for public interaction. Now it is imperative to know what type of spaces still exist and also to study the nature and quality of use of public open spaces by the urbanity at present in order to retain and to generate responsive spaces as needed by the future generation of the urban population of Dhaka.
The present investigation has found that the existing stock of open space in not enough to sustain the need of urbanity in Dhaka. The open spaces mostly exist in the form of 'Urban Parks', 'Urban Recreational Areas' and 'Urban Development Open Spaces'. The utilization of the existing large open spaces, i.e. the urban parks, is overwhelming; and their impact on urban life appears to be enormous. These urban parks serve as recreational ground for the middle-income urbanity. The upper income people use those areas for their personal care; and the poor comes to earn by serving others. Besides, the 'Urban Recreational Areas', like small and medium sized parks and playgrounds, are frequently used by the local children and youth. The 'Urban Development Open Spaces' also generate many activities; thereby they are helping to enhance a better urban living condition.
It has been recommended that government and local authorities should urgently recognize the value of these resources. The existing open spaces must be protected by the enforcement of Environmental Laws. In order to make the open spaces responsive to the urban need, such spaces need to be well equipped. Besides, regular maintenance and control of these areas is essential to cease the anti-social occurrences and put them in successful use.
The present investigation has found that the existing stock of open space in not enough to sustain the need of urbanity in Dhaka. The open spaces mostly exist in the form of 'Urban Parks', 'Urban Recreational Areas' and 'Urban Development Open Spaces'. The utilization of the existing large open spaces, i.e. the urban parks, is overwhelming; and their impact on urban life appears to be enormous. These urban parks serve as recreational ground for the middle-income urbanity. The upper income people use those areas for their personal care; and the poor comes to earn by serving others. Besides, the 'Urban Recreational Areas', like small and medium sized parks and playgrounds, are frequently used by the local children and youth. The 'Urban Development Open Spaces' also generate many activities; thereby they are helping to enhance a better urban living condition.
It has been recommended that government and local authorities should urgently recognize the value of these resources. The existing open spaces must be protected by the enforcement of Environmental Laws. In order to make the open spaces responsive to the urban need, such spaces need to be well equipped. Besides, regular maintenance and control of these areas is essential to cease the anti-social occurrences and put them in successful use.
Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka previously known as Asiatic Society of Pakistan had its humble beginning in Nimtali Deuri in 1952. The Nimtali Deuri is an old gate structure built by the British in 1765-66 as an entry to Nimtali... more
Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka previously known as Asiatic Society of Pakistan had its humble beginning in Nimtali Deuri in 1952. The Nimtali Deuri is an old gate structure built by the British in 1765-66 as an entry to Nimtali Kothi. Society’s activities shifted to a new building adjacent to the old gate house in 1952. Since then the old structure was put to disuse and remained totally ignored. However, importance of the gate structure can not be overemphasised with respect to its historical and architectural value in the context of the city and the society itself.
Considering the importance of the Nimtali Deuri, the Asiatic Society intends to conserve the structure in its future development programme through adaptive reuse. In the last decade the Asiatic Society underwent manifold expansion in its activities; present facilities are not compatible with the growing need. This paper investigates the possibilities of developing the Asiatic Society complex based on a projected need of twenty to twenty-five years in which conservation and integration of Nimtali Deuri is the central theme.
Considering the importance of the Nimtali Deuri, the Asiatic Society intends to conserve the structure in its future development programme through adaptive reuse. In the last decade the Asiatic Society underwent manifold expansion in its activities; present facilities are not compatible with the growing need. This paper investigates the possibilities of developing the Asiatic Society complex based on a projected need of twenty to twenty-five years in which conservation and integration of Nimtali Deuri is the central theme.
ARCHITECTURE IN BANGLADESH:
ENGAGEMENT FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
ENGAGEMENT FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
10th International Space Syntax Symposium SSS10, Abstract: The ancient city of Panam was established in late 19th century in a non-urban setting in Dhaka region. Panam was famous for cotton manufacturing and trading during British rule.... more
10th International Space Syntax Symposium SSS10,
Abstract:
The ancient city of Panam was established in late 19th century in a non-urban setting in Dhaka region. Panam was famous for cotton manufacturing and trading during British rule. The cotton traders built a good number of closely located and nicely ornamented buildings with narrow street frontage. According to history these buildings were owned by merchants who were absentee landlords, coming Panam once or twice a year. However, history explained little about their life styles and function of these buildings. The buildings apparently similar from outward had a variety in terms of their spatial organizations which remains unexplained without any evidence of their use pattern. Although researchers attempted to classify those buildings into common residential types available in this region, a large number of buildings of Panam remain unexplained due to their idiosyncrasies and dissimilarities with the available types.
In absence of social and functional data, buildings can be defined abstractly as a certain ordering of categories, to which added a certain system of controls, the two conjointly constructing an interface between the inhabitants of the social knowledge embedded in the categories and the visitors who’s relation with them are controlled by the building (Hanson, 1998). Space syntax transforms the buildings into the form of adjacency graphs to represent, quantify and interpret spatial pattern in such a way that their underlying ‘social logic’ is understood. These syntactic statements explain the ‘abstract genotypes’. In search of genotypes, the syntactic data compiled here are compared to find any difference in the spatial organization among the different type of houses of Panam and to explain the ordering of space in these buildings in relation to the prevailing types in Dhaka region.
Among 52 dilapidated buildings of Panam, 22 buildings are analyzed as abstract systems. Apparently the layouts of large houses of Panam, with halls and courtyards, are similar to the urban residential houses of Dhaka region having courtyards with encircling corridors giving access to series of rooms. However, spatial analysis reveals that both the introverted and extroverted houses of Dhaka have a deep uni-linear sequence whereas in the genotypes of Panam that uni-linear sequence is not very common, rather ringiness became the major character. In fact, the houses of Panam have overlapping rings connecting most of the interior spaces along with the exterior suggesting the depth of the buildings of Panam much shallower than the buildings of Dhaka. From graph analysis it is quite clear that the halls were distributed with the exterior in a ring, thus become shallower and easily permeable for the visitors. It can be interpreted as the need of privacy was low indicating that buildings have less residential quality in respect to the socio-cultural background of Dhaka. Interestingly, spatial analysis suggests that the consolidated type buildings with segregated central spaces and integrated frontal rooms are completely different from any prevailing typology of Dhaka. Thus space syntax analysis suggests that perhaps some of the houses of Panam were not residential type; rather they have some other commercial use which is not clear from their history.
Abstract:
The ancient city of Panam was established in late 19th century in a non-urban setting in Dhaka region. Panam was famous for cotton manufacturing and trading during British rule. The cotton traders built a good number of closely located and nicely ornamented buildings with narrow street frontage. According to history these buildings were owned by merchants who were absentee landlords, coming Panam once or twice a year. However, history explained little about their life styles and function of these buildings. The buildings apparently similar from outward had a variety in terms of their spatial organizations which remains unexplained without any evidence of their use pattern. Although researchers attempted to classify those buildings into common residential types available in this region, a large number of buildings of Panam remain unexplained due to their idiosyncrasies and dissimilarities with the available types.
In absence of social and functional data, buildings can be defined abstractly as a certain ordering of categories, to which added a certain system of controls, the two conjointly constructing an interface between the inhabitants of the social knowledge embedded in the categories and the visitors who’s relation with them are controlled by the building (Hanson, 1998). Space syntax transforms the buildings into the form of adjacency graphs to represent, quantify and interpret spatial pattern in such a way that their underlying ‘social logic’ is understood. These syntactic statements explain the ‘abstract genotypes’. In search of genotypes, the syntactic data compiled here are compared to find any difference in the spatial organization among the different type of houses of Panam and to explain the ordering of space in these buildings in relation to the prevailing types in Dhaka region.
Among 52 dilapidated buildings of Panam, 22 buildings are analyzed as abstract systems. Apparently the layouts of large houses of Panam, with halls and courtyards, are similar to the urban residential houses of Dhaka region having courtyards with encircling corridors giving access to series of rooms. However, spatial analysis reveals that both the introverted and extroverted houses of Dhaka have a deep uni-linear sequence whereas in the genotypes of Panam that uni-linear sequence is not very common, rather ringiness became the major character. In fact, the houses of Panam have overlapping rings connecting most of the interior spaces along with the exterior suggesting the depth of the buildings of Panam much shallower than the buildings of Dhaka. From graph analysis it is quite clear that the halls were distributed with the exterior in a ring, thus become shallower and easily permeable for the visitors. It can be interpreted as the need of privacy was low indicating that buildings have less residential quality in respect to the socio-cultural background of Dhaka. Interestingly, spatial analysis suggests that the consolidated type buildings with segregated central spaces and integrated frontal rooms are completely different from any prevailing typology of Dhaka. Thus space syntax analysis suggests that perhaps some of the houses of Panam were not residential type; rather they have some other commercial use which is not clear from their history.
Research Interests:
9th International Space Syntax Symposium SSS9: Presentation by Dr. Farida Nilufar ABSTRACT The rapid population growth along with increased and versatile urban land use patterns has generated substantial travel demand as well as numerous... more
9th International Space Syntax Symposium SSS9: Presentation by Dr. Farida Nilufar
ABSTRACT
The rapid population growth along with increased and versatile urban land use patterns has generated substantial travel demand as well as numerous transport problems in Dhaka city. Inadequate urban transport planning and management has resulted in deterioration in accessibility, operational efficiency and urban environment. To solve this hazardous travel environment in metropolitan area, the Strategic Transport Plan has launched with the aim to sidetrack city’s lone dependency on surface transportation system to monorail, metro rail, elevated expressways and inland waterways. Ironically, majority of these solutions could not utilize the cities inherent possibilities; rather they picked up hired solutions. Dhaka city, like many other cities in the world, was crisscrossed by canals and surrounded by rivers. The city itself developed on the bank of river Buriganga and was dependent on water based transportations as an access route to the historic city. But in developing city’s infrastructure, the city authority never followed its integral natural features. Even these canals never played any role by the users to reduce city’s traffic load on surface, so the problem persists.
This paper focuses on the possibilities of recent government intervention of Circular Waterways which covers the peripheral water routes of Dhaka city. It also explores the inherent morphological characteristics of the city through reviving present & historic canal networks to serve as an alternative and supplementary transportation system. Finally, the impact on the projected movement pattern of city traffic with an integration of water ways and the land routes has been syntactically analyzed. At present, the city grid with peripheral waterways, encircling the city shows trivial changes in the global movement pattern. The proposed Circular Waterway remains totally segregated from the global integration core due to its physical location and weaker connections with the city grid. However, it is understood that the impact of Circular Waterways in case of Dhaka is much of a ‘by-pass’ route and it will be feasible as a route for commuters without conflicting the city traffic. It is also imperative to incorporate the internal waterways with the street network of the city considering their network connectivity and geographical position. The syntactic analysis reveals that the internal waterways, if revived, have greater influence on the local movement. While being integrated with street network, they will release traffic load from the highly integrated global routes to the less integrated local routes. Based on findings, this paper proposes a revised spatial structure for Dhaka city incorporating the river and canal systems in order to utilize the potential of its natural features towards a sustainable urban transport system. In doing so, Space Syntax methodology has been adopted for analyzing the spatial structure of Dhaka city in present context along with simulated situation through reviving its historic canal systems.
ABSTRACT
The rapid population growth along with increased and versatile urban land use patterns has generated substantial travel demand as well as numerous transport problems in Dhaka city. Inadequate urban transport planning and management has resulted in deterioration in accessibility, operational efficiency and urban environment. To solve this hazardous travel environment in metropolitan area, the Strategic Transport Plan has launched with the aim to sidetrack city’s lone dependency on surface transportation system to monorail, metro rail, elevated expressways and inland waterways. Ironically, majority of these solutions could not utilize the cities inherent possibilities; rather they picked up hired solutions. Dhaka city, like many other cities in the world, was crisscrossed by canals and surrounded by rivers. The city itself developed on the bank of river Buriganga and was dependent on water based transportations as an access route to the historic city. But in developing city’s infrastructure, the city authority never followed its integral natural features. Even these canals never played any role by the users to reduce city’s traffic load on surface, so the problem persists.
This paper focuses on the possibilities of recent government intervention of Circular Waterways which covers the peripheral water routes of Dhaka city. It also explores the inherent morphological characteristics of the city through reviving present & historic canal networks to serve as an alternative and supplementary transportation system. Finally, the impact on the projected movement pattern of city traffic with an integration of water ways and the land routes has been syntactically analyzed. At present, the city grid with peripheral waterways, encircling the city shows trivial changes in the global movement pattern. The proposed Circular Waterway remains totally segregated from the global integration core due to its physical location and weaker connections with the city grid. However, it is understood that the impact of Circular Waterways in case of Dhaka is much of a ‘by-pass’ route and it will be feasible as a route for commuters without conflicting the city traffic. It is also imperative to incorporate the internal waterways with the street network of the city considering their network connectivity and geographical position. The syntactic analysis reveals that the internal waterways, if revived, have greater influence on the local movement. While being integrated with street network, they will release traffic load from the highly integrated global routes to the less integrated local routes. Based on findings, this paper proposes a revised spatial structure for Dhaka city incorporating the river and canal systems in order to utilize the potential of its natural features towards a sustainable urban transport system. In doing so, Space Syntax methodology has been adopted for analyzing the spatial structure of Dhaka city in present context along with simulated situation through reviving its historic canal systems.
Research Interests:
Space Syntax Symposium SSS9, Seoul, 2012, Cities in the delta have unique spatial character being criss-crossed by rivers and canals. Keraniganj Upazila of Dhaka District is a settlement surrounded by two big rivers which are again... more
Space Syntax Symposium SSS9, Seoul, 2012, Cities in the delta have unique spatial character being criss-crossed by rivers and canals. Keraniganj Upazila of Dhaka District is a settlement surrounded by two big rivers which are again connected by a canal network. The spatial network of Keraniganj, therefore, has got some significance due to it’s connectivity with the water-ways. However, as a result of many insentient manmade efforts, the water-ways of this settlement did not developed to any integrated system with the surface routes. Canals are being used as drainage channels or being filled up. Moreover, seasonal floods have detrimental effects on the land-use and infrastructure. As a result the potential development of Keraniganj is being hampered. A new land-use proposal under Detailed Area Plan (DAP) is in process of implementation. Besides, the inhabitants are trying to develop their own solution through a number of local roads. None of them, the professionals or the locals, ever takes the challenge to live negotiating with nature. It appears that the spatial characteristics of the existing and proposed network need to be explored in order to evolve a sustainable spatial network for Keraniganj.
This paper analyses the existing spatial network of Keraniganj and tries to determine the focal points for land-use development. Taking the exiting and proposed land-use in consideration, a comprehensive spatial network integrating the land with water routes are examined here. Besides, the impact of local roads of different hierarchy, those are developed away from the planning intervention, are also considered in association with the canal network. The total scenario has an incredible drawback due to regular and continuing flood in every year. It appears that the spatial network suffers from a conflicting situation as the integrated core, being located in relatively lower elevations, gets inundated by recurring floods. Some localized solutions are essential to overcome this situation. The canals, perhaps some selected branches, and part of the network of local roads needs to be identified to ensure a useful spatial network of a sustainable settlement. Finally, a sustainable spatial network is proposed for a water-woven geography of Keraniganj, which is integrated with the proposed land-use.
This paper analyses the existing spatial network of Keraniganj and tries to determine the focal points for land-use development. Taking the exiting and proposed land-use in consideration, a comprehensive spatial network integrating the land with water routes are examined here. Besides, the impact of local roads of different hierarchy, those are developed away from the planning intervention, are also considered in association with the canal network. The total scenario has an incredible drawback due to regular and continuing flood in every year. It appears that the spatial network suffers from a conflicting situation as the integrated core, being located in relatively lower elevations, gets inundated by recurring floods. Some localized solutions are essential to overcome this situation. The canals, perhaps some selected branches, and part of the network of local roads needs to be identified to ensure a useful spatial network of a sustainable settlement. Finally, a sustainable spatial network is proposed for a water-woven geography of Keraniganj, which is integrated with the proposed land-use.
Research Interests:
Presented:
Urban Development Directorate (UDD),
GoB for Mymensingh Strategic Development Plan (MSDP) Project, 2011-2031, part of Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP-II), GoB. 13 May 2014
Urban Development Directorate (UDD),
GoB for Mymensingh Strategic Development Plan (MSDP) Project, 2011-2031, part of Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP-II), GoB. 13 May 2014